1
資治通鑑第197卷卷第一百九十七
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 197
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【唐紀十三】趣昭陽單閼四月，盡旃蒙大荒落五月，凡二年有奇。
[Tang Records 13] Covering from the fourth month of the Quzhaoyang Dan'e cycle year through the fifth month of the Zhanmeng Dahuangluo year — somewhat more than two years in total.
3
夏，四月，庚辰朔，承基上變，告太子謀反。 敕長孫無忌、房玄齡、蕭瑀、李世勣與大理、中書、門下參鞫之，反形已具。 上謂侍臣：「將何以處承乾？」 群臣莫敢對，通事舍人來濟進曰：「陛下不失為慈父，太子得盡天年，則善矣！」 上從之。 濟，護兒之子也。
In summer, the fourth month, on the first day (gengchen), Gan Chenji laid an accusation, charging the Crown Prince with treason. He ordered Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, and Li Shiji, along with the Court of Judicial Review, the Secretariat, and the Chancellery, to investigate jointly; the case for rebellion was fully established. The emperor asked his courtiers, "What shall we do with Chengqian?" No one dared answer. The communications officer Lai Ji advanced and said, "If Your Majesty can still be a loving father and let the Crown Prince live out his years, that would be the best outcome!" The emperor agreed. Lai Ji was a son of Lai Hu'er.
4
乙酉，詔廢太子承乾為庶人，幽於右領軍府。 上欲免漢王元昌死，群臣固爭，乃賜自盡於家，而宥其母、妻、子。 侯君集、李安儼、趙節、杜荷等皆伏誅。 左庶子張玄素、右庶子趙弘智、令狐德棻等以不能諫爭，皆坐免為庶人。 餘當連坐者，悉赦之。 詹事於志寧以數諫，獨蒙勞勉。 以紇干承基為祐川府折衝都尉，爵平棘縣公。
On yiyou, an edict stripped Crown Prince Chengqian of his rank, reduced him to commoner status, and confined him at the Right Imperial Guard compound. The emperor wanted to spare Prince of Han Yuanchang's life, but the ministers argued strenuously until he was allowed to kill himself at home; his mother, wife, and children were forgiven. Hou Junji, Li Anyi, Zhao Jie, Du He, and the rest were all put to death. The left and right subordinates Zhang Xuansu, Zhao Hongzhi, Linghu Defen, and others, because they had not remonstrated effectively, were all dismissed and reduced to commoner status. Everyone else who would have been punished by association was fully pardoned. The grand tutor Yu Zhining alone was praised and encouraged, for having remonstrated again and again. Gan Chenji was made Defender-General of Youchuan Prefecture and ennobled as Duke of Pingji County.
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侯君集被收，賀蘭楚石復詣闕告其事，上引君集謂曰：「朕不欲令刀筆吏辱公，故自鞫公耳。」 君集初不承。 引楚石具陳始未，又以所與承乾往來啟示之，君集辭窮，乃服。 上謂侍臣曰：「君集有功，欲乞其生，可乎？」 群臣以為不可。 上乃謂君集曰：「與公長訣矣！」 因泣下，君集亦自投於地； 遂斬之於市。 君集臨刑，謂監刑將軍曰：「君集蹉跌至此！ 然事陛下於籓邸，擊取二國，乞全一子以奉祭祀。」 上乃原其妻及子，徙嶺南。 籍沒其家，得二美人，自幼飲人乳而不食。
After Hou Junji was arrested, Helan Chushi came again to the palace to report the affair. The emperor had Junji brought before him and said, "I did not want petty clerks to disgrace you, so I questioned you myself." At first Junji denied everything. Chushi was produced to recount the entire affair from start to finish, and the letters exchanged with Chengqian were shown him as well; with no defense left, Junji finally confessed. The emperor said to his courtiers, "Junji has great achievements to his credit. Could we plead for his life?" The ministers all said it was impossible. The emperor then told Junji, "This is our final parting!" He burst into tears; Junji likewise prostrated himself on the ground; and Junji was beheaded in the public square. Facing execution, Junji said to the supervising general, "I have fallen this low! Yet when I served Your Majesty in your princely days, I helped conquer two states. I beg you to spare one son to carry on the ancestral rites." The emperor then spared his wife and sons and banished them to the far south. His property was confiscated, and among it were two beauties who since childhood had been nourished on human milk and ate no other food.
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初，上使李靖教君集兵法，君集言於上曰：「李靖將反矣。」 上問其故，對曰：「靖獨教臣以其粗而匿其精，以是知之。」 上以問靖，靖對曰：「此乃君集欲反耳。 今諸夏已定，臣之所教，足以制四夷，而君集固求盡臣之術，非反而何！」 江夏王道宗嘗從容言於上曰：「君集志大而智小，自負微功，恥在房玄齡、李靖之下，雖為吏部尚書，未滿其志。 以臣觀之，必將為亂。」 上曰：「君集材器，亦何施不可！ 朕豈惜重位，但次第未至耳，豈可億度，妄生猜貳邪！」 及君集反誅，上乃謝道宗曰：「果如卿言！」
Earlier, the emperor had Li Jing instruct Junji in military strategy. Junji told the emperor, "Li Jing is going to rebel." When the emperor asked why, he answered, "Jing taught me only the rough parts and hid the essentials — that is how I know." The emperor asked Jing, who replied, "That only means Junji himself means to rebel. Now that the empire is settled, what I have taught is enough to subdue the barbarians on every side, yet Junji kept pressing to learn every last technique of mine — if that is not rebellion, what is it!" Prince of Jiangxia, Li Daozong, once remarked to the emperor in an unhurried way, "Junji's ambitions outrun his judgment. He takes pride in modest achievements and resents standing below Fang Xuanling and Li Jing. Even as Minister of Personnel, he is not content. In my judgment, he is bound to make trouble." The emperor said, "With Junji's talent, what post could he not fill! Do you think I begrudge him high office? His turn simply has not come yet. How can one speculate idly and breed groundless suspicion!" When Junji was executed for rebellion, the emperor admitted to Daozong, "It happened exactly as you said!"
7
李安儼父，年九十餘，上愍之，賜奴婢以養之。
Li Anyi's father was more than ninety; the emperor pitied him and gave him slaves and servants for his upkeep.
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太子承乾既獲罪，魏王泰日入侍奉，上面許立為太子，岑文本、劉洎亦勸之； 長孫無忌固請立晉王治。 上謂侍臣曰：「昨青雀投我懷云：『臣今日始得為陛下子，乃更生之日也。 臣有一子，臣死之日，當為陛下殺之，傳位晉王。』 人誰不愛其子，朕見其如此，甚憐之。」 諫議大夫褚遂良曰：「陛下言大失。 願審思，勿誤也！ 安有陛下萬歲後，魏王據天下，肯殺其愛子，傳位晉王者乎！ 陛下日者既立承乾為太子，復寵魏王，禮秩過於承乾，以成今日之禍。 前事不遠，足以為鑒。 陛下今立魏王，願先措置晉王，始得安全耳。」 上流涕曰：「我不能爾！」 因起，入宮。 魏王泰恐上立晉王治，謂之曰：「汝與元昌善，元昌今敗，得無憂乎？」 治由是憂形於色，上怪，屢問其故，治乃以狀告； 上憮然，始悔立泰之言矣。 上面責承乾，承乾曰：「臣為太子，復何所求！ 但為泰所圖，時與朝臣謀自安之術，不逞之人遂教臣為不軌耳。 今若泰為太子，所謂落其度內。」
After Crown Prince Chengqian was condemned, Prince of Wei Li Tai attended the emperor every day. The emperor verbally agreed to make him heir, and Cen Wenben and Liu Ji urged it as well; but Zhangsun Wuji steadfastly pressed for Prince of Jin Li Zhi. The emperor told his courtiers, "Yesterday Azure Sparrow threw himself into my arms and said, 'Today I have truly become Your Majesty's son — it is like being born again. I have a son; when I die, I will kill him for Your Majesty and pass the throne to the Prince of Jin.' Who does not love his own child? When I saw him speak this way, I was deeply moved." The remonstrance officer Chu Suiliang said, "Your Majesty has spoken very wrongly. Please think this through carefully and do not go astray! After Your Majesty's death, when the Prince of Wei holds the realm, would he truly kill his own beloved son and hand the throne to the Prince of Jin! Your Majesty first made Chengqian crown prince, then favored the Prince of Wei above measure, giving him honors that surpassed the heir — and that is how today's disaster came about. Recent events are still fresh — they are warning enough. If Your Majesty now makes the Prince of Wei heir, you must first settle the Prince of Jin's position — only then will he be safe." The emperor wept and said, "I cannot do that!" He rose and withdrew to the inner palace. Prince of Wei Li Tai, fearing the emperor would name Prince of Jin Li Zhi heir, said to him, "You were close to Yuanchang; Yuanchang has fallen — shouldn't you be worried?" From this Zhi's distress showed plainly on his face. The emperor noticed and asked repeatedly what was wrong; Zhi then told him what had happened; and the emperor, stricken, began to regret having spoken of making Tai heir. The emperor confronted Chengqian in person. Chengqian said, "As crown prince, what more could I want! It was only that Tai was plotting against me; I often discussed with court officials how to protect myself, and wicked men then urged me into treason. If Tai becomes crown prince now, that is exactly what he has been scheming for all along."
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承乾既廢，上御兩儀殿，群臣俱出，獨留長孫無忌、房玄齡、李世勣、褚遂良，謂曰：「我三子一弟，所為如是，我心誠無聊賴！」 因自投於床，無忌等爭前扶抱； 上又抽佩刀欲自刺，遂良奪刀以授晉王治。 無忌等請上所欲，上曰：「我欲立晉王。」 無忌曰：「謹奉詔； 有異議者，臣請斬之！」 上謂治曰：「汝舅許汝矣，宜拜謝。」 治因拜之。 上謂無忌等曰：「公等已同我意，未知外議何如？」 對曰：「晉王仁孝，天下屬心久矣，乞陛下試召問百官，有不同者，臣負陛下萬死。」 上乃御太極殿，召文武六品以上，謂曰：「承乾悖逆，泰亦凶險，皆不可立。 朕欲選諸子為嗣，誰可者？ 卿輩明言之。」 眾皆歡呼曰：「晉王仁孝，當為嗣。」 上悅，是日，泰從百餘騎至永安門； 敕門司盡辟其騎，引泰入肅章門，幽於北苑。 丙戌，詔立晉王治為皇太子，御承天門樓，赦天下，酺三日。 上謂侍臣曰：「我若立泰，則是太子之位可經營而得。 自今太子失道，籓王窺伺者，皆兩棄之，傳諸子孫，永為後法。 且泰立，則承乾與治皆不全； 治立，則承乾與泰皆無恙矣。」
After Chengqian was deposed, the emperor held court in the Hall of Two Principles. When the other officials had left, he kept only Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Li Shiji, and Chu Suiliang and said, "My three sons and one brother have behaved like this — my heart is utterly worn out!" He threw himself on the couch; Wuji and the others rushed forward to hold him up; the emperor drew his dagger to stab himself; Suiliang wrested it away and gave it to Prince of Jin Li Zhi. Wuji and the others asked what he wanted. He said, "I wish to make the Prince of Jin my heir." Wuji said, "We accept Your Majesty's command; anyone who objects, I ask leave to execute!" The emperor told Zhi, "Your uncle has agreed — you should bow in gratitude." Zhi bowed to Wuji. The emperor said to Wuji and the others, "You already agree with me — but what will opinion outside the palace be?" They answered, "The Prince of Jin is benevolent and filial; the empire has long looked to him. Please summon the officials and ask them — if anyone disagrees, I deserve death a thousand times over." The emperor then held court in the Hall of Supreme Ultimate, summoned all civil and military officials of the sixth rank and above, and said, "Chengqian was treasonous and Tai is treacherous — neither can be heir. I wish to choose one of my sons as heir — who is fit? Speak your minds plainly." All shouted as one, "The Prince of Jin is benevolent and filial — he should be heir." The emperor was pleased. That day Tai arrived at the Gate of Eternal Peace with more than a hundred horsemen; he ordered the gatekeepers to send away all his escort, had Tai brought in through the Gate of Solemn Regulations, and confined him in the Northern Park. On bingxu, an edict named Prince of Jin Li Zhi crown prince. The emperor appeared on the tower of the Gate of Receiving Heaven, proclaimed a general amnesty, and ordered three days of celebration. The emperor told his courtiers, "If I had made Tai heir, it would mean the crown prince's place could be won by intrigue. From now on, whenever an heir goes astray and a prince of the blood watches for his chance, both are to be discarded. Let this be passed down to our descendants as permanent law. If Tai were made heir, Chengqian and Zhi would both be in peril; but with Zhi as heir, Chengqian and Tai will both come to no harm."
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臣光曰：唐太宗不以天下大器私其所愛，以杜禍亂之原，可謂能遠謀矣！
Sima Guang comments: Emperor Taizong did not treat the empire as a private gift to a favorite son, but blocked the source of turmoil — truly far-sighted statesmanship!
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丁亥，以中書令楊師道為吏部尚書。 初，長廣公主適趙慈景，生節； 慈景死，更適師道。 師道與長孫無忌等共鞫承乾獄，陰為趙節道地，由是獲譴。 上至公主所，公主以首擊地，泣謝子罪，上亦拜泣曰：「賞不避仇讎，罰不阿親戚，此天下至公之道，不敢違也，以是負姊。」
On dinghai, Grand Counselor Yang Shidao was appointed Minister of Personnel. Earlier, Princess Changguang had married Zhao Cijing and borne Zhao Jie; after Cijing died she married Shidao. Shidao had joined Zhangsun Wuji and others in investigating Chengqian's case and had secretly pleaded Zhao Jie's cause; for this he was punished. The emperor went to the princess's residence. She beat her head on the ground, weeping and begging forgiveness for her son. The emperor bowed and wept as well, saying, "Rewards do not shun one's enemies, and punishments do not favor one's kin — that is the supreme fairness of the realm. I dare not break it, and so I have failed you, Elder Sister."
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己丑，詔以長孫無忌為太子太師，房玄齡為太傅，蕭瑀為太保，李世勣為詹事，瑀、世勣並同中書門下三品。 同中書門下三品自此始。 又以左衛大將軍李大亮領右衛率，前詹事於志寧、中書侍郎馬周為左庶子，吏部侍郎蘇勖、中書舍人高季輔為右庶子，刑部侍郎張行成為少詹事，諫議大夫褚遂良為賓客。
On jichou, an edict named Zhangsun Wuji Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince, Fang Xuanling Grand Tutor, Xiao Yu Grand Protector, and Li Shiji Grand Tutor of the Heir Apparent; Yu and Shiji were both given the concurrent title of Associate of the Secretariat and Chancellery of the Third Rank. The concurrent rank of Associate of the Secretariat and Chancellery of the Third Rank dates from this appointment. General Li Daliang of the Left Guard was also made commandant of the Right Guard; former grand tutor Yu Zhining and vice director Ma Zhou were named left subordinates; vice minister Su Xu and drafting officer Gao Jifu were named right subordinates; vice minister Zhang Xingcheng was made junior grand tutor; and remonstrance officer Chu Suiliang was made guest of the heir apparent.
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李世勣嘗得暴疾，方云「須灰可療」； 上自剪須，為之和藥。 世勣頓首出血泣謝。 上曰：「為社稷，非為卿也，何謝之有！」 世勣嘗侍宴，上從容謂曰：「朕求群臣可托幼孤者，無以逾公，公往不負李密，豈負朕哉！」 世勣流涕辭謝，嚙指出血，因飲沉醉； 上解御服以覆之。
Li Shiji once fell gravely ill; the prescription called for ashes as medicine; the emperor cut off his own beard and mixed it into the medicine. Shiji bowed until his forehead bled and wept his thanks. The emperor said, "This is for the realm, not for you alone — why thank me?" Once at a banquet the emperor said to him in an easy tone, "I have searched among my ministers for one to whom I could entrust a young heir — none surpasses you. You did not betray Li Mi; would you betray me?" Shiji wept and protested his unworthiness, bit his finger until it bled, and then drank himself into a stupor; "the emperor took off his own robe and laid it over him."
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癸巳，詔解魏王泰雍州牧、相州都督、左武侯大將軍，降爵為東萊郡王。 泰府僚屬為泰所親狎者，皆遷嶺表； 以杜楚客兄如晦有功，免死，廢為庶子。 給事中崔仁師嘗密請立魏王泰為太子，左遷鴻臚少卿。
On guisi, an edict stripped Prince of Wei Li Tai of his posts as governor of Yongzhou, commander of Xiangzhou, and general-in-chief of the Left Martial Guard, and reduced him to Prince of Donglai. The officials of Tai's household whom he had favored were all banished to the far south; Du Chuke was spared execution because his elder brother Ruhui had earned great merit, but was reduced to commoner status. Cui Renshi, Attendant Within, had once secretly petitioned to make Prince of Wei Li Tai crown prince; for this he was demoted to Vice Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
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庚子，定太子見三師儀：迎於殿門外，先拜，三師答拜； 每門讓於三師。 三師坐，太子乃坐。 其與三師書，前後稱名、「惶恐」。
On gengzi, regulations were set for how the crown prince was to receive the Three Preceptors: he would meet them outside the palace gate, bow first, and the Three Preceptors would bow in return; At every gate he would defer to the Three Preceptors. The crown prince would not sit until the Three Preceptors had taken their seats. In correspondence with the Three Preceptors, he would sign his own name at the beginning and end and add the deferential phrase "awe-stricken."
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五月，癸酉，太子上表，以「承乾、泰衣服不過隨身，飲食不能適口，幽憂可愍，乞敕有司，優加供給。」 上從之。
In the fifth month, on guiyou, the crown prince memorialized the throne, writing that Chengqian and Tai possessed only the clothes on their backs, could not eat properly, and lived in such concealed sorrow as to inspire pity; he asked the emperor to order the responsible officials to grant them generous additional support. "The emperor approved the request."
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黃門侍郎劉洎上言，以「太子宜勤學問，親師友。 今入侍宮闈，動逾旬朔，師保以下，接對甚希，伏願少抑下流之愛，弘遠大之規，則海內幸甚！」 上乃命洎與岑文本、褚遂良、馬周更日詣東宮，與太子游處談論。
Yellow Gate Attendant Liu Ji memorialized the throne, arguing that the crown prince should study hard and cultivate close ties with his teachers and friends. Yet now, dwelling in attendance within the inner palace, he often goes weeks or even a month at a stretch; his tutors and guardians below them seldom receive audience from him. I humbly ask Your Majesty to curb this indulgence of private attachment and instead promote a broader vision — then the realm would be greatly blessed!" "The emperor then ordered Liu Ji, Cen Wenti, Chu Suiliang, and Ma Zhou to take turns visiting the Eastern Palace daily to spend time with the crown prince in conversation and debate.
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六月，己卯朔，日有食之。
In the sixth month, on jimao—the first day of the month—there was a solar eclipse.
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丁亥，太常丞鄧素使高麗還，請於懷遠鎮增戍兵以逼高麗。 上曰：「『遠人不服，則修文德以來之』。 未聞一二百戍兵能威絕域者也！」 丁酉，右僕射高士廉遜位，許之，其開府儀同三司、勳封如故，仍同門下中書三品，知政事。 閏月，辛亥，上謂侍臣曰：「朕自立太子，遇物則誨之，見其飯，則曰：『汝知稼穡之艱難，則常有斯飯矣。』 見其乘馬，則曰：『汝知其勞逸，不竭其力，則常得乘之矣。』 見其乘舟，則曰：『水所以載舟，亦所以覆舟，民猶水也，君猶舟也。』 見其息於木下，則曰：『木從繩則正，後從諫則聖。』」
On dinghai, Assistant Director of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices Deng Su returned from a mission to Goguryeo and proposed increasing garrison forces at Huaiyuan to pressure Goguryeo. The emperor replied, "As the saying goes, 'When distant peoples do not submit, cultivate civil virtue to win them over. I have never heard of one or two hundred border garrison troops intimidating a far-off kingdom!" On dingyou, Right Vice Director Gao Shilian requested retirement, and the emperor granted it. He retained his rank as Grand Preceptor of the State with Honorary Three Excellencies of the First Rank along with his titles of merit and enfeoffment, and continued to serve at Third Rank in the Gate and Secretariat, managing affairs of state. In the intercalary month, on xinhai, Emperor Taizong told his ministers, "Since establishing the crown prince, I take every opportunity to instruct him. When I see him eating, I say: 'Know the hardship of tilling and sowing, and you will never lack this meal. When I see him on horseback, I say: 'Understand a horse's labor and rest; do not exhaust its strength, and you will always have a mount.'" When I see him aboard a boat, I say: 'Water bears the boat up, but it also overturns it — the people are the water, and the ruler is the boat.'" When I see him resting under a tree, I say: 'Timber that follows the carpenter's line is straight; a ruler who heeds remonstrance becomes a sage.'"
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丁巳，詔太子知左、右屯營兵馬事，其大將軍以下並受處分。
On dingsi, an edict appointed the crown prince to manage the horse and troop affairs of the Left and Right Garrison Camps, with all officers below the grand generals subject to his command.
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薛延陀真珠可汗使其侄突利設來納幣，獻馬五萬匹，牛、橐駝萬頭，羊十萬口。 庚申，突利設獻饌，上御相思殿，大饗群臣，設十部樂，突利設再拜上壽，賜賚甚厚。
Zhenzhu Khan of the Xueyantuo sent his nephew Tuli She with betrothal gifts: fifty thousand horses, ten thousand cattle and camels, and one hundred thousand sheep. On gengshen, Tuli She presented a banquet. Emperor Taizong received him at Xiangsi Hall and held a grand feast for his ministers with ten-part music. Tuli She bowed twice and offered a toast for the emperor's longevity, and the rewards lavished upon him were lavish indeed.
22
契苾何力上言：「薛延陀不可與昏。」 上曰：「吾已許之矣，豈可為天子而食言乎！」 何力對曰：「臣非欲陛下遽絕之也，願且遷延其事。 臣聞古有親迎之禮，若敕夷男使親迎，雖不至京師，亦應至靈州； 彼必不敢來，則絕之有名矣。 夷男性剛戾，既不成昏，其下復攜貳，不過一二年必病死，二爭立，則可以坐制之矣！」 上從之，乃征真珠可汁使親迎，仍發詔將幸靈州與之會。 真珠大喜，欲詣靈州，其臣諫曰：「脫為所留，悔之無及！」 真珠曰：「吾聞唐天子有聖德，我得身往見之，死無所恨，且漠北必當有主。 我行決矣，勿復多言！」 上發使三道，受其所獻雜蓄。 薛延陀先天庫廄，真珠調斂諸部，往返萬里，道涉沙磧，無水草，耗死將半，失期不至。 議者或以為聘財未備而與為昏，將使戎狄輕中國，上乃下詔絕其昏，停幸靈州，追還三使。
Qibi Heli memorialized the throne: "We must not marry the princess to Xueyantuo." The emperor replied, "I have already given my word — how can a Son of Heaven break a promise!" Qibi Heli answered, "I do not ask Your Majesty to sever the match immediately — only to delay it for the time being. In antiquity there was a custom requiring the bridegroom to fetch the bride in person. If Your Majesty orders Yinan to come and greet her himself — he need not reach the capital, but he should at least come to Lingzhou — he will certainly not dare come, and we will then have good reason to dissolve the alliance. Yinan is fierce and intractable. Once the marriage falls through, his followers will turn disloyal again; within a year or two he will die of illness, and when his sons fight for the succession, we can dominate them without effort!" The emperor agreed and summoned Zhenzhu Khan to fetch the bride in person, while issuing an edict announcing his own intended visit to Lingzhou for the meeting. Zhenzhu was overjoyed and prepared to go to Lingzhou. His ministers warned him: "If they detain you, it will be too late for regret!" Zhenzhu replied, "I have heard the Tang emperor is a sage. To meet him face to face, I would die content — and in any case, the northern steppe must have its master. My mind is made up — say no more!" The emperor sent envoys along three routes to accept the livestock and goods offered in tribute. Xueyantuo had never maintained granaries or stables. Zhenzhu requisitioned supplies from every tribe; the ten-thousand-li journey crossed barren deserts without grass or water, and nearly half the animals perished en route. He missed the appointed date and failed to arrive. Some officials argued that marrying the princess when betrothal gifts were incomplete would make the frontier peoples despise China. The emperor issued an edict canceling the marriage, aborted his journey to Lingzhou, and recalled the three envoys.
23
褚遂良上疏，以為：「薛延陀本一俟斤，陛下蕩平沙塞，萬里蕭條，餘寇奔波，須有酋長，璽書鼓纛，立為可汗。 比者復降鴻私，許其姻媾，西告吐蕃，北諭思摩，中國童幼，靡不知之。 御幸北門，受其獻食，群臣四夷，宴樂終日。 鹹言陛下欲安百姓，不愛一女，凡在含生，孰不懷德。 今一朝生進退之意，有改悔之心，臣為國家惜茲聲聽； 所顧甚少，所失殊多，嫌隙既生，必構邊患。 彼國蓄見欺之怒，此民懷負約之慚，恐非所以服遠人、訓戎士也。 陛下君臨天下十有七載，以仁恩結庶類，以信義撫戎夷，莫不欣然，負之無力，何惜不使有始有卒乎！ 夫龍沙以北，部落無算，中國誅之，終不能盡，當懷之以德，使為惡者在夷不在華，失信者在彼不在此，則堯、舜、禹、湯不及陛下遠矣！」 上不聽。
Chu Suiliang submitted a memorial arguing that Xueyantuo had originally been only an irkin chieftain; after Your Majesty pacified the desert frontier, leaving ten thousand li barren, the surviving raiders needed a leader — so Your Majesty invested him as khan with imperial patent and banners. Recently Your Majesty again showed extraordinary favor, consenting to a marriage alliance — announced west to Tibet and north to Ishbara, so that even children within China knew of it. Your Majesty personally attended the Northern Gate to accept his offerings; ministers and foreign envoys feasted together throughout the day. All proclaimed that Your Majesty sought the people's peace and did not begrudge a daughter — what living soul would not revere such virtue? To change course overnight and show second thoughts — I mourn what this will cost our nation's standing; the gain is slight, the loss enormous; once enmity takes root, border troubles are inevitable. They will nurture the fury of deception; our people will feel the shame of broken faith — this is no way to win distant peoples or instruct our frontier troops. Your Majesty has ruled for seventeen years, uniting the people through benevolence and winning the barbarians through faith — all rejoice, and none can resist you. Why not see this through to the end? North of the Dragon Sands lie innumerable tribes; China cannot slaughter them all. Win them with virtue, so that wrongdoers are among the barbarians, not the Chinese, and oath-breakers are on their side, not ours — then even Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang would pale before Your Majesty! "The emperor did not listen.
24
是時，群臣多言：「國家既許其昏，受其聘幣，不可失信戎狄，更生邊患。」 上曰：「卿曹皆知古而不知今。 昔漢初匈奴強，中國弱，故飾子女、捐金絮以餌之，得事之宜。 今中國強，戎狄弱，以我徒兵一千，可擊胡騎數萬。 薛延陀所以匍匐稽顙，惟我所欲，不敢驕慢者，以新為君長，雜姓非其種族，欲假中國之勢以威服之耳。 彼同羅、僕骨、回紇等十餘部，兵各數萬，並力攻之，立可破滅，所以不敢發者，畏中國所立故也。 今以女妻之，彼自恃大國之婿，雜姓誰敢不服！ 戎狄人面獸心，一旦微不得意，必反噬為害。 今吾絕其昏，殺其禮，雜姓知我棄之，不日將瓜剖之矣，卿曹第志之。」
Many ministers argued that since the state had promised the marriage and accepted the gifts, breaking faith with the barbarians would invite fresh border trouble. The emperor replied, "You understand the past but not the present. In early Han times the Xiongnu were mighty and China weak, so she dressed up princesses and sent gold and silk as tribute — that suited the times. Today China is strong and the frontier peoples weak — a thousand of our infantry can attack tens of thousands of nomad horsemen. Xueyantuo grovels and kowtows, yielding to my every wish and never daring arrogance, because he is a newly installed chieftain whose mixed tribes are not of his own lineage — he needs China's backing to intimidate them. The Tongluo, Pugu, Uighur, and a dozen other tribes each field tens of thousands of warriors — together they could crush him instantly, yet they dare not move for fear of the man China crowned khan. Give him our daughter, and armed with the status of the great empire's son-in-law, which mixed tribe would dare resist? Barbarians wear human faces but harbor beasts' hearts — give them the slightest grievance and they will lash back. Break off the marriage and deny him the rite — once the mixed tribes see I have abandoned him, they will carve up his realm within days. Mark my words."
25
臣光曰：孔子稱去食、去兵，不可去信。 唐太宗審知薛延陀不可妻，則初勿許其昏可也； 既許之矣，乃復恃強棄信而絕之，雖滅薛延陀，猶可羞也。 王者發言出令，可不慎哉！
Master Guang comments: Confucius declared that one might forgo food or arms, but never trustworthiness. Emperor Taizong knew full well that Xueyantuo ought not receive an imperial bride — he should never have promised the marriage in the first place. Having promised, he then used China's might to break faith — even destroying Xueyantuo would remain a disgrace. When a ruler speaks and commands, can he not be more careful!"
26
上曰：「蓋蘇文弒其君而專國政，誠不可忍。 以今日兵力，取之不難，但不欲勞百姓，吾欲且使契丹、靺鞨擾之，何如？」 長孫無忌曰：「蓋蘇文自知罪大，畏大國之討，必嚴設守備，陛下姑為之隱忍，彼得以自安，必更驕惰，愈肆其惡，然後討之，未晚也。」 上曰：「善！」 戊辰，詔以高麗王藏為上柱國、遼東郡王、高麗王，遣使持節冊命。
The emperor said, "Yeongaeso killed his king and seized national power — this truly cannot be tolerated. With our forces today, conquest would be easy — but I do not wish to burden the people. Perhaps we should let the Khitan and Mohe harry them first — what do you think?" Zhangsun Wuji replied, "Yeongaeso knows his crimes are grave and dreads China's wrath — he will fortify his defenses. Your Majesty should temporarily hold your peace and let him feel secure; growing arrogant and reckless, he will commit worse atrocities — then strike, and it will not be too late." The emperor said, "Well said!" On wuchen, an edict invested King Go Jang of Goguryeo as Supreme Pillar of State, Prince of Liaodong Commandery, and King of Goguryeo, and sent an envoy with credentials to confer the titles.
27
丙子，徙東萊王泰為順陽王。
On bingzi, Prince of Donglai Li Tai was reassigned as Prince of Shunyang.
28
初，太子承乾失德，上密謂中書侍郎兼左庶子杜正倫曰：「吾兒足疾乃可耳，但疏遠賢良，狎暱群小，卿可察之。 果不可教示，當來告我。」 正倫屢諫，不聽，乃以上語告之。 太子抗表以聞，上責正倫漏洩，對曰：「臣以此恐之，冀其遷善耳。」 上怒，出正倫為穀州刺史。 及承乾敗，秋，七月，辛卯，復左遷正倫為交州都督。 初，魏徵嘗薦正倫及侯君集有宰相材，請以君集為僕射，且曰：「國家安不忘危，不可無大將，諸衛兵馬宜委君集專知。」 上以君集好夸誕，不用。 及正倫以罪黜，君集謀反誅，上始疑征阿黨。 又有言征自錄前後諫辭以示起居郎褚遂良者，上愈不悅，乃罷叔玉尚主，而踣所撰碑。
Earlier, when Crown Prince Chengqian's conduct went astray, Emperor Taizong confided to Vice Director of the Secretariat and Left Subordinate Du Zhenlun, "My son's lame foot is bearable — but he shuns worthy men and consorts with petty scoundrels. Watch him closely. If he truly cannot be reformed, come and tell me." Du Zhenlun remonstrated repeatedly without effect, then revealed the emperor's words to the crown prince. The crown prince lodged a formal protest. The emperor rebuked Du Zhenlun for the leak; he replied, "I meant to frighten him into reform." Furious, the emperor banished Du Zhenlun to serve as Prefect of Guchuan. After Chengqian's downfall, in the seventh month of autumn, on xinmao, Du Zhenlun was demoted again to Military Governor of Jiaozhou. Wei Zheng had once recommended both Du Zhenlun and Hou Junji as chancellor material, proposed Hou Junji for Vice Director, and argued, "In peace one must not forget peril — the realm needs a great general; the guard cavalry should be placed under Hou Junji's sole command." The emperor judged Hou Junji boastful and unreliable and declined the appointment. After Du Zhenlun's dismissal and Hou Junji's execution for treason, the emperor began to suspect Wei Zheng of factional favoritism. Reports also surfaced that Wei Zheng had copied his past memorials to show Diarist Chu Suiliang. The emperor's displeasure deepened: he canceled the princess's betrothal to Wei Zheng's son Shuyu and demolished the memorial stele.
29
初，上謂監修國史房玄齡曰：「前世史官所記，皆不令人主見之，何也？」 對曰：「史官不虛美，不隱惡，若人主見之必怒，故不敢獻也。」 上曰：「朕之為心，異於前世帝王。 欲自觀國史，知前日之惡，為後來之戒，公可撰次以聞。」 諫議大夫朱子奢上言：「陛下聖德在躬，舉無過事，史官所述，義歸盡善。 陛下獨覽《起居》，於事無失，若以此法傳示子孫，竊恐曾、玄之後或非上智，飾非護短，史官必不免刑誅。 如此，則莫不希風順旨，全身遠害，悠悠千載，何所信乎！ 所以前代不觀，蓋為此也。」 上不從。 玄齡乃與給事中許敬宗等刪為《高祖》、《今上實錄》； 癸巳，書成，上之。 上見書六月四日事，語多微隱，謂玄齡曰：「昔周公誅管、蔡以安周，季友鴆叔牙以存魯。 朕之所以，亦類是耳，史官何諱焉！」 即命削去浮詞，直書其事。
Emperor Taizong once asked Fang Xuanling, overseer of the national history, "Why did historians of old never allow emperors to read their records?" Fang replied, "Historians neither flatter nor conceal wrongdoing — an emperor who read them would surely rage, so they dared not submit their drafts." The emperor said, "My intentions differ from those of earlier emperors. I wish to read the national history myself — to learn from past errors and warn future generations. Compile it and present it to me." Remonstrance Counselor Zhu Zixia memorialized, "Your Majesty's sage virtue is manifest; you commit no misdeeds — the historians' accounts must naturally show only perfection. Your Majesty alone reading the court diaries does no harm — but if this custom passes to your descendants, I fear that after men like Zeng Shen and Yan Yuan there will be no sage rulers; emperors will hide faults, and historians will face execution. Then every historian will trim truth to please the throne and save his skin — across a thousand years, what record could anyone trust? Former dynasties forbade emperors from reading history largely for this reason." The emperor rejected the advice. Fang Xuanling then worked with Attendant Within Xu Jingzong and others to edit the Veritable Records of Emperor Gaozu and the Veritable Records of the Present Emperor; On guisi the completed work was submitted. Reading the account of the fourth day of the sixth month, the emperor found the language evasive and cryptic. He told Fang Xuanling, "The Duke of Zhou executed Guan and Cai to save Zhou; Jiyou poisoned Shuya to preserve Lu. My actions were of the same kind — why should the historians hide them?" He immediately ordered the flowery language struck out and the events recorded plainly.
30
八月，庚戌，以洛州都督張亮為刑部尚書，參預朝政； 以左衛大將軍、太子右衛率李大亮為工部尚書。 大亮身居三職，宿衛兩宮，恭儉忠謹，每宿直，必坐寐達旦。 房玄齡甚重之，每稱大亮有王陵、周勃之節，可當大位。
In the eighth month, on gengxu, Military Governor of Luozhou Zhang Liang was appointed Minister of Justice and entered the deliberations of state; Left Guard Grand General and Right Commander of the Crown Prince's Guard Li Daliang was named Minister of Public Works. Li Daliang held three offices simultaneously, standing guard over both palaces — dutiful, frugal, and loyal. On night watch he always sat awake until dawn. Fang Xuanling held him in high esteem, often declaring that Li Daliang had the steadfast integrity of Wang Ling and Zhou Bo and was fit for the highest office.
31
初，大亮為龐王兵曹，為李密所獲，同輩皆死，賊帥張弼見而釋之，遂與定交。 及大亮貴，求弼，欲報其德，弼時為將作丞，自匿不言。 大亮遇諸途而識之，持弼而泣，多推家貲以遣弼，弼拒不受。 大亮言於上，乞悉以其官爵授弼，上為之擢弼為中郎將。 時人皆賢大亮不負恩，而多弼之不伐也。
Long ago, when Li Daliang served as army recorder to Prince of Pang, Li Mi captured him. His comrades were all killed, but the rebel leader Zhang Bi saw him and spared his life — from that day they became close friends. After Li Daliang rose to prominence, he searched for Zhang Bi to repay his debt — but Zhang Bi, then a minor official in the Directorate of Imperial Construction, concealed his identity. Li Daliang recognized Zhang Bi on the road, embraced him in tears, and pressed his family fortune upon him — but Zhang Bi refused every gift. Li Daliang petitioned the emperor to confer all his titles and offices on Zhang Bi; the emperor promoted Zhang Bi to Captain of the Palace Guards. Contemporaries praised Li Daliang for never forgetting a kindness — and admired Zhang Bi equally for never boasting of his own.
32
九月，庚辰，新羅遣使言百濟攻取其國四十餘城，復與高麗連兵，謀絕新羅入朝之路，乞兵救援。 上命司農丞相裡玄獎繼璽書賜高麗曰：「新羅委質國家，朝貢不乏，爾與百濟各宜戢兵； 若更攻之，明年發兵擊爾國矣！」
In the ninth month, on gengchen, Silla sent envoys reporting that Baekje had attacked and seized more than forty of its cities, then allied with Goguryeo to block Silla's path to the Tang court and begged for military aid. The emperor ordered Minister of Revenue and Chancellor Xiangli Xuanying to deliver a further imperial letter to Goguryeo, saying: "Silla has pledged itself to the empire and never failed in tribute; you and Baekje should each cease hostilities; If you attack again, next year I shall send troops against your kingdom!"
33
癸未，徙承乾於黔州。 甲午，徙順陽王泰於均州。 上曰：「父子之情，出於自然。 朕今與泰生離，亦何心自處！ 然朕為天下主，但使百姓安寧，私情亦可割耳。」 又以泰所上表示近臣曰：「泰誠為俊才，朕心念之，卿曹所知； 但以社稷之故，不得不斷之以義，使之居外者，亦所以兩全之耳。」
On guiwei, Chengqian was exiled to Qian Prefecture. On jiawu, Prince of Shunyang Li Tai was exiled to Jun Prefecture. The emperor said, "A father's love for his son is natural. To part from Tai while we both still live — what peace can I find in my own heart! Yet I am sovereign of the realm; if the people are secure, private feeling must yield." He also showed Tai's memorial to his close ministers and said, "Tai is truly a gifted man, and I hold him in my thoughts, as you know; but for the sake of the realm I must judge by duty, not affection; sending him away is also a way to preserve us both."
34
先是，諸州長官或上佐歲首親奉貢物入京師，謂之朝集使，亦謂之考使； 京師無邸，率僦屋與商賈雜居。 上始命有司為之作邸。
Previously, at the year's opening the chief prefectural officials or their senior deputies personally brought tribute to the capital; they were called envoys for the court assembly, or assessment envoys; the capital had no guesthouses for them, and they usually rented rooms and lived among merchants. The emperor then ordered the appropriate offices to build lodges for them.
35
冬，十一月，己卯，上禮圜丘。
In winter, the eleventh month, on jimao, the emperor sacrificed at the Circular Mound altar.
36
初，上與隱太子、巢剌王有隙，密明公贈司空封德彝陰持兩端。 楊文幹之亂，上皇欲廢隱太子而立上，德彝固諫而止。 其事甚秘，上不之知，薨後乃知之。 壬辰，治書侍御史唐臨始追劾其事，請黜官奪爵。 上命百官議之，尚書唐儉等議：「德彝罪暴身後，恩結生前，所歷眾官，不可追奪，請降贈改謚。」 詔黜其贈官，改謚曰繆，削所食實封。
Earlier, when the emperor and the Hidden Crown Prince and Prince Chaoci were at odds, Feng Deyi, Duke of Miming and posthumously Minister of Works, secretly straddled both camps. During the Yang Wengan rebellion, the Retired Emperor wished to depose the Hidden Crown Prince and install the emperor in his place; Deyi remonstrated forcefully and halted the plan. The affair was kept deeply secret; the emperor learned of it only after Deyi's death. On renchen, Supervising Secretary Tang Lin first brought charges over the affair and requested that Deyi's offices and titles be stripped. The emperor ordered the officials to deliberate. Minister of Works Tang Jian and others argued: "Deyi's guilt came to light only after his death, yet the honors he earned in life remain; the offices he held cannot all be revoked retroactively — we ask that his posthumous appointments be reduced and his posthumous epithet changed." An edict removed his posthumous offices, changed his posthumous epithet to Miu ("Erroneous"), and confiscated his substantive fief.
37
敕選良家女以實東宮； 癸巳，太子遣左庶子於志寧辭之。 上曰：「吾不欲使子孫生於微賤耳。 今既致辭，當從其意。」 上疑太子仁弱，密謂長孫無忌曰：「公勸我立雉權，雉奴懦，恐不能守社稷，奈何！ 吳王恪英果類我，我欲立之，何如？」 無忌固爭，以為不可。 上曰：「公以恪非己之甥邪？」 無忌曰：「太子仁厚，真守文良主； 儲副至重，豈可數易？ 願陛下熟思之。」 上乃止。 十二月，壬子，上謂吳王恪曰：「父子雖至親，及其有罪，則天下之法不可私也。 漢已立昭帝，燕王旦不服，陰圖不軌，霍光折簡誅之。 為人臣子，不可不戒！」
An edict ordered that daughters of respectable families be selected to fill the Eastern Palace; On guisi, the Crown Prince sent Left Supervisor Yu Zhining to decline the offer. The emperor said, "I only meant to keep my descendants from being born to humble stock. Since you have formally declined, I shall respect your wish." The emperor doubted the Crown Prince was too mild and weak. He told Zhangsun Wuji in secret, "You urged me to install Zhiquan; the boy Zhiqu is timid — I fear he cannot hold the realm. What can be done? Prince of Wu Li Ke is bold and resolute like me; I wish to make him heir. What do you think?" Wuji argued strenuously that it must not be done. The emperor said, "Do you think Ke is not your own nephew?" Wuji said, "The Crown Prince is humane and generous — truly a ruler who would preserve the established order; the heir apparent is far too weighty a matter — how can he be changed again and again? I beg Your Majesty to weigh this carefully." The emperor then abandoned the idea. In the twelfth month, on renzi, the emperor told Prince of Wu Li Ke, "Though father and son are closest of kin, when guilt is involved the laws of the realm cannot be bent for private feeling. When Han had enthroned Emperor Zhao, Prince of Yan Dan refused to submit, secretly plotted rebellion, and Huo Guang broke a letter and had him put to death. As subjects and sons, you must take warning from this!"
38
庚申，車賀幸驪山溫湯； 庚午，還宮。
On gengshen, the emperor visited the hot springs at Mount Li; On gengwu, he returned to the palace.
39
春，正月，乙未，車駕幸鐘官城； 庚子，幸鄠縣； 壬寅，幸驪山溫湯。
In spring, the first month, on yiwei, the emperor visited Zhongguan City; On gengzi, he visited Hu County; On renyin, he visited the hot springs at Mount Li.
40
相裡玄獎至平壤，莫離支已將兵擊新羅，破其兩城，高麗王使召之，乃還。 玄獎諭使勿攻新羅，莫離支曰：「昔隋人入寇，新羅乘釁侵我地五百里，自非歸我侵地，恐兵未能已。」 玄獎曰：「既往之事，焉可追論！ 至於遼東諸城，本皆中國郡縣，中國尚且不言，高麗豈得必求故地！」 莫離支竟不從。
Xiangli Xuanying reached Pyongyang. Molizhi had already led troops against Silla and taken two of its cities; the King of Goguryeo summoned him back, and he returned. Xuanying urged him not to attack Silla. Molizhi said, "When Sui invaders came in the past, Silla seized the chance to encroach on our territory for five hundred li; unless those lands are returned, I fear the fighting will not stop. Xuanying said, "What is past cannot be argued over again! As for the cities of Liaodong, they were originally commanderies and counties of China; even China does not press the claim — how can Goguryeo insist on recovering old territory!" Molizhi refused to comply.
41
二月，乙巳朔，玄獎還，且言其狀。 上曰：「蓋蘇文弒其君，賊其大臣，殘虐其民，今又違我詔命，侵暴鄰國，不可以不討。」 諫議大夫褚遂良曰：「陛下指麾則中原清晏，顧眄則四夷讋服，威望大矣。 今乃渡海遠征小夷，若指期克捷，猶可也。 萬一蹉跌，傷威損望，更興忿兵，則安危難測矣。」 李世勣曰：「間者薛延陀入寇，陛下欲發兵窮討，魏徵諫而止，使至今為患。 向用陛下之策，北鄙安矣。」 上曰：「然。 此誠徵之失，朕尋悔之而不欲言，恐塞良謀故也。」
In the second month, on the first day (yisi), Xuanying returned and reported what had happened. The emperor said, "Gaesomun murdered his king, slaughtered his ministers, and cruelly oppressed his people; now he defies my edict and attacks a neighboring state — he must be punished." Remonstrance and Policy Adviser Chu Suiliang said, "When Your Majesty commands, the Central Plains are tranquil; at a glance the four quarters submit in awe — your prestige is already immense. To cross the sea now on a distant expedition against a petty state — if victory comes within the appointed time, that may still be acceptable. But if you stumble even once, prestige will be wounded and confidence shaken; if angry troops must be raised again, then safety and peril become impossible to foretell." Li Shiji said, "When Xueyantuo invaded not long ago, Your Majesty wished to send troops to pursue and destroy them, but Wei Zheng remonstrated and stopped it — and they have been a menace ever since. Had Your Majesty's plan been followed then, the northern frontier would be secure today." The emperor said, "True. That was indeed Zheng's mistake; I soon regretted it but did not say so, for fear of discouraging sound counsel."
42
上欲自征高麗，褚遂良上疏，以為：「天下譬猶一身：兩京，心腹也； 州縣，四支也； 四夷，身外之物也。 高麗罪大，誠當致討，但命二、三猛將將四五萬眾，仗陛下威靈，取之如反掌耳。 今太子新立，年尚幼稚，自餘籓屏，陛下所知，一旦棄金湯之全，逾遼海之險，以天下之君，輕行遠舉，皆愚臣之所甚憂也。」 上不聽。 時群臣多諫征高麗者，上曰：「八堯、九舜，不能冬種，野夫、童子，春種而生，得時故也。 夫天有其時，人有其功。 蓋蘇文陵上虐下，民延頸待救，此正高麗可亡之時也。 議者紛紜，但不見此耳。」
The emperor wished to campaign against Goguryeo in person. Chu Suiliang submitted a memorial arguing that the realm is like a single body: the Two Capitals are its heart and viscera; the prefectures and counties are its four limbs; and the four quarters are things outside the body. Goguryeo's crimes are grave and truly call for punishment, but send two or three fierce generals with forty or fifty thousand men, and relying on Your Majesty's august power you will take it as easily as turning your palm. The Crown Prince has just been installed and is still young; the rest of the feudatory bulwarks are as Your Majesty knows. To abandon impregnable security at a stroke, cross the peril of the Liaohai Sea, and as sovereign of all under heaven undertake a distant campaign on a whim — this is what your foolish minister most dreads." The emperor would not listen. At the time many ministers remonstrated against the Goguryeo campaign. The emperor said, "Eight Yaos and nine Shuns could not sow in winter; a field hand or a child sows in spring and the crop lives — because the season is right. Heaven has its seasons; men have their moment to act. Gaesomun insults his superiors and brutalizes his people; the folk stretch their necks awaiting rescue — this is precisely the hour when Goguryeo may perish. The debaters clamor in confusion but fail to see this."
43
己酉，上幸靈口； 乙卯，還宮。
On jiyou, the emperor visited Lingkou; On yimao, he returned to the palace.
44
三月，辛卯，以左衛將軍薛萬徹守石衛大將軍。 上嘗謂侍臣曰：「於今名將，惟世勣、道宗、萬徹三人而已，世勣、道宗不能大勝，亦不大敗，萬徹非大勝則大敗。」
In the third month, on xinmao, Left Guard General Xue Wanche was appointed Defender-General of the Stone Guard. The emperor once told his attendants, "Among famous generals today, only Shiji, Daozong, and Wanche remain. Shiji and Daozong neither win great victories nor suffer great defeats; with Wanche it is great victory or great defeat — nothing in between."
45
夏，四月，上御兩儀殿，皇太子侍。 上謂群臣曰：「太子性行，外人亦聞之乎？」 司徒無忌曰：「太子雖不出宮門，天下無不欽仰聖德。」 上曰：「吾如治年時，頗不能御常度。 治自幼寬厚，諺曰：『生子如狼，猶恐如羊。』 冀其稍壯，自不同耳。」 無忌對曰：「陛下神武，乃撥亂之才，太子仁恕，實守文之德； 趣尚雖異，各當其分，此乃皇天所以祚大唐而福蒼生者也。
In summer, the fourth month, the emperor held court in the Hall of Two Principles with the Crown Prince in attendance. The emperor asked the ministers, "Has word of the Crown Prince's character and conduct reached those outside the palace?" Minister of Works Zhangsun Wuji said, "Though the Crown Prince never leaves the palace gates, none under heaven fails to admire his sagely virtue." The emperor said, "When I was Zhi's age, I could hardly keep within ordinary bounds. Zhi has been mild and generous from childhood. A proverb says, 'Bear a son like a wolf — yet fear he will prove a sheep.' I hope that as he grows stronger he will prove different." Wuji replied, "Your Majesty is divinely martial — a talent for quelling chaos; the Crown Prince is humane and forgiving — truly the virtue of preserving peace; their inclinations differ, yet each suits his role — this is how Heaven blesses Great Tang and brings fortune to the people.
46
辛亥，上幸九成宮。 壬子，至太平宮，謂侍臣曰：「人臣順旨者多，犯顏則少，今朕欲自聞其失，諸公其直言無隱。」 長孫無忌等皆曰：「陛下無失。」 劉洎曰：「頃有上書不稱旨者，陛下皆面加窮詰，無不慚懼而退，恐非所以廣言路。 馬周曰：「陛下比來賞罰，微以喜怒有所高下，此外不見其失。」 上皆納之。
On xinhai, the emperor visited Jiucheng Palace. On renzi, he reached Taiping Palace and told his attendants, "Ministers who agree with me are many; those who risk my displeasure are few. Now I wish to hear my own faults — speak frankly and hold nothing back. Zhangsun Wuji and the rest all said, "Your Majesty has no faults." Liu Ji said, "When memorials lately have not suited Your Majesty's intent, you have questioned the authors to their faces until all withdrew in shame and fear — I fear this is not how to broaden the channels of remonstrance. Ma Zhou said, "Your Majesty's rewards and punishments lately have risen or fallen slightly with pleasure and anger; beyond that I see no fault." The emperor accepted all of it.
47
上好文學而辯敏，群臣言事者，上引古今以折之，多不能對。 劉洎上書諫曰：「帝王之與凡庶，聖哲之與庸愚，上下相懸，擬倫斯絕。 是知以至愚而對至聖，以極卑而對至尊，徒思自強，不可得也。 陛下降恩旨，假慈顏，凝旒以聽其言，虛襟以納其說，猶恐群下未敢對揚； 況動神機，縱天辯，飾辭以折其理，引古以排其議，欲令凡庶何階應答！ 且多記則損心，多語則損氣，心氣內損，形神外勞，初雖不覺，後必為累。 須為社稷自愛，豈為性好自傷乎！ 至如秦政強辯，失人心於自矜； 魏文宏才，虧從望於虛說。 此才辯之累，較然可知矣。」 上飛白答之曰：「非慮無以臨下，非言無以述慮，比有談論，遂致煩多，輕物驕人，恐由茲道，形神心氣，非此為勞。 今聞讜言，虛懷以改。」 己未，至顯仁宮。
The emperor loved literature and was quick in debate; when ministers spoke on affairs of state, he would cite antiquity and the present to refute them, and most could not answer. Liu Ji submitted a memorial remonstrating: "Between emperor and commoner, sage and fool, the gulf between high and low is absolute — comparison itself breaks down. When the utterly foolish must answer the utterly sage, and the utterly low must answer the utterly exalted, to think one can strengthen oneself by debate is impossible. Your Majesty lowers gracious edicts, lends a kindly countenance, listens beneath the hanging tassels, and opens your breast to receive their views — yet still fears those below may not dare respond openly; how much less when you deploy divine ingenuity, unleash heaven's eloquence, dress up arguments to break their reasoning, and cite antiquity to crush their proposals — and expect commoners to find any footing to reply! Moreover, much memorizing harms the heart; much speaking harms the breath. Heart and breath depleted inwardly, body and spirit exhausted outwardly — at first one does not notice, but in time it must become a burden. You must cherish yourself for the sake of the realm — not indulge a nature that injures its own self! Consider Qin Shihuang's fierce disputation — he lost the hearts of men through self-conceit; Emperor Wen of Wei had vast talent — yet he forfeited his followers' respect through empty talk. The burden of brilliance in disputation — how clearly this shows it." The emperor answered in flying-white script: "Without thought one cannot oversee those below; without words one cannot express thought. Lately discussions have grown numerous and tedious — slighting things and arrogant toward men, I fear, may stem from this path; body, spirit, heart, and breath are not exhausted by this. Now hearing honest counsel, I open my heart to amend." On jiwei, the emperor arrived at Xianren Palace.
48
上將征高麗，秋，七月，辛卯，敕將作大監閻立德等詣洪、饒、江三州，造船四百艘以載軍糧。 甲午，下詔遣營州都督張儉等帥幽、營二都督兵及契丹、奚、靺鞨先擊遼東以觀其勢。 以太常卿韋挺為饋運使，以民部侍郎崔仁師副之，自河北諸州皆受挺節度，聽以便宜從事。 又命太僕卿蕭銳運河南諸州糧入海。 銳，瑀之子也。
The emperor was preparing to campaign against Goguryeo. In autumn, the seventh month, on xinmao, he ordered Yan Lide, Director of Palace Construction, and others to proceed to Hong, Rao, and Jiang Prefectures to build four hundred ships for transporting army provisions. On jiawu, an edict dispatched Zhang Jian, Protector-General of Yingzhou, and others to lead the armies of the You and Ying protectorates, along with Khitan, Xi, and Mohe forces, to strike Liaodong first and test the enemy's strength. Wei Ting, Minister of Ceremonies, was appointed Provision-Transport Commissioner, with Cui Renshi, Vice Minister of Revenue, as his deputy. All prefectures north of the Yellow River were placed under Ting's command, with authority to act as he saw fit. He also ordered Xiao Rui, Minister of the Imperial Stud, to transport grain from the Henan prefectures by sea. Rui was a son of Xiao Yu.
49
八月，壬子，上謂司徒無忌等曰：「人若不自知其過，卿可為朕明言之。」 對曰：「陛下武功文德，臣等將順之不暇，又何過之可言！」 上曰：「朕問公以己過，公等乃曲相諛悅，朕欲面舉公等得失以相戒而改之，何如？」 皆拜謝。 上曰：「長孫無忌善避嫌疑，應物敏速，決斷事理，古人不過； 而總兵攻戰，非其所長。 高士廉涉獵古今，心術明達，臨難不改節，當官無朋黨； 所乏者骨鯁規諫耳。 唐儉言辭辯捷，善和解人； 事朕三十年，遂無言及於獻替。 楊師道性行純和，自無愆違； 而情實怯懦，緩急不可得力。 岑文本性質敦厚，文章華贍； 而持論恆據經遠，自當不負於物。 劉洎性最堅貞，有利益； 然其意尚然諾，私於朋友。 馬周見事敏速，性甚貞正，論量人物，直道而言，朕比任使，多能稱意。 褚遂良學問稍長，性亦堅正，每寫忠誠，親附於朕，譬如飛鳥依人，人自憐之。」
In the eighth month, on renzi, the emperor said to Zhangsun Wuji, Chamberlain of the Realm, and the others: "If one does not know one's own faults, you may speak them plainly to me. They replied: "Your Majesty's martial accomplishments and civil virtue leave us hard pressed to keep pace — how could we speak of any fault! The emperor said: "I asked you about my faults, yet you craftily flatter and please me. I wish to set before you each man's strengths and weaknesses face to face, as mutual warning for improvement — what say you? All bowed and thanked him. The emperor said: "Zhangsun Wuji is skilled at avoiding suspicion, quick in response to events, and decisive in handling affairs — the ancients could not surpass him; yet commanding troops in attack and battle is not his strong suit. Gao Shilian ranges broadly over ancient and modern learning, with a clear and penetrating mind; he does not alter his integrity in adversity, and holds office without faction; What he lacks is frank, bone-in-throat remonstrance. Tang Jian is eloquent and quick of speech, and skilled at reconciling people; He has served me thirty years, yet never once offered counsel on proposing and replacing policy. Yang Shidao's nature and conduct are pure and gentle, without fault of his own; Yet his disposition is truly timid and weak — in urgent need he cannot be relied upon. Cen Wenben's character is sincere and generous, his prose brilliant and rich; Yet he always anchors his arguments in distant classics — by nature he cannot fail men's expectations. Liu Ji's character is most steadfast and resolute, and of benefit to affairs; Yet his heart still values pledges of friendship — he is partial to his friends. Ma Zhou sees affairs with quick insight and is very upright by nature; in judging men he speaks the straight path. In my recent assignments, he has mostly met my wishes. Chu Suiliang's learning is somewhat deep, his nature likewise firm and upright; he always inscribes loyalty and draws close to me — like a bird that nests on a person, whom one naturally pities."
50
甲子，上還京師。
On jiazi, the emperor returned to the capital.
51
丁卯，以散騎常侍劉洎為侍中，行中書侍郎岑文本為中書令，太子左庶子中書侍郎馬周守中書令。
On dingmao, Liu Ji, Attendant Cavalier-in-Ordinary, was made Vice Director of the Secretariat; Cen Wenben, Acting Under Secretary of the Secretariat, was made Grand Secretary; and Ma Zhou, Left Assistant to the Crown Prince and Under Secretary of the Secretariat, was appointed acting Grand Secretary.
52
文本既拜，還家，有憂色。 母問其故，文本曰：「非勳非舊，濫荷寵榮，位高責重，所以憂懼。」 親賓有來賀者，文本曰：「今受吊，不受賀也。」
After Wenben received the appointment, he returned home with a troubled look. His mother asked why. Wenben said: "Without merit or longstanding service, I have received favor and glory undeserved; the post is high and the responsibility heavy — hence my fear and anxiety. When relatives and guests came to congratulate, Wenben said: "Today I accept condolences, not congratulations."
53
文本弟文昭為校書郎，喜賓客，上聞之不悅； 嘗從容謂文本曰：「卿弟過爾交結，恐為卿累； 朕欲出為外官，何如？」 文本泣曰：「臣弟少孤，老母特所鍾愛，未嘗信宿離左右。 今若出外，母必愁悴，倘無元此弟，亦無老母矣。」 因歔欷嗚咽。 上愍其意而止，惟召文昭嚴戒之，亦卒無過。 九月，以諫議大夫褚遂良為黃門侍郎，參預朝政。
Wenben's younger brother Wenzhao was a Collator; he delighted in entertaining guests, and when the emperor heard of it he was displeased; He once said at ease to Wenben: "Your brother associates overmuch — I fear this may burden you; I wish to send him out as a provincial official — what say you? Wenben wept and said: "My brother was orphaned young; our old mother especially dotes on him — never has he spent a night away from her side. If he goes out now, mother will surely fall into grief and wasting; if not for this younger brother, there would be no old mother either. And he sobbed and wailed. The emperor pitied his plea and desisted; he only summoned Wenzhao and sternly warned him, and in the end there was no further trouble. In the ninth month, Chu Suiliang, Remonstrance Adviser, was made Deputy Director of the Chancellery, with a role in court governance.
54
焉耆貳於西突厥，西突厥大臣屈利啜為其弟娶焉耆王女，由是朝貢多闕； 安西都護郭孝恪請討之。 詔以孝恪為西州道行軍總管，帥步騎三千出銀山道以擊之。 全焉耆王弟頡鼻兄弟三人至西州，孝恪以頡鼻弟栗婆准為鄉導。 焉耆城四面皆水，恃險而不設備，孝恪倍道兼行，夜，至城下，命將士浮水而渡，比曉，登城，執其王突騎支，獲首虜七千級，留栗婆准攝國事而還。 孝恪去三日，屈利啜引兵救焉耆，不及，執栗婆准，以勁騎五千，追孝恪至銀山，孝恪還擊，破之，追奔數十里。
Karasahr turned disloyal to the Western Turks; the Western Turk minister Qulichuo had his younger brother marry the Karasahr king's daughter, and thus tribute missions were often absent; Guo Xiaoge, Protector-General of Anxi, requested permission to campaign against them. An edict appointed Xiaoge Marshal on the Xizhou Route, leading three thousand infantry and cavalry out via the Yinshan Route to strike them. The three brothers, including the Karasahr king's younger brother Pinbi, reached Xizhou safely; Xiaoge used Pinbi's brother Lipozhun as guide. Karasahr city was girt by water on all sides; trusting the terrain, they made no preparations. Xiaoge marched at double speed and by night reached the walls; he ordered his officers and men to float across the water. By daybreak they had scaled the walls, seized King Tuqizhi, took seven thousand enemy heads, left Lipozhun to govern affairs, and returned. Three days after Xiaoge departed, Qulichuo led troops to relieve Karasahr but arrived too late; he seized Lipozhun and with five thousand crack cavalry pursued Xiaoge to Yinshan. Xiaoge turned and struck, defeated them, and pursued the rout for several tens of li.
55
辛卯，上謂侍臣曰：「孝恪近奏稱八月十一日往擊焉耆，二十日應至，必以二十二日破之。 朕計其道裡，使者今日至矣！」 言未畢，驛騎至。
On xinmao, the emperor said to his attendants: "Xiaoge recently reported that on the eleventh day of the eighth month he would set out against Karasahr; on the twentieth he should arrive, and he is certain to break them on the twenty-second. By my reckoning of the route distance, the messenger should arrive today! Before he finished speaking, the dispatch rider arrived.
56
西突厥處那啜使其吐屯攝焉耆，遣使入貢。 上數之曰：「我發兵擊得焉耆，汝何人而據之！」 吐屯懼，返其國。 焉耆立栗婆准從父兄薛婆阿那支為王，仍附於處那啜。
Chunachuo of the Western Turks had his Tukun administer Karasahr and sent envoys bearing tribute. The emperor rebuked them: "I sent troops and captured Karasahr — who are you to occupy it! Tukun, in fear, returned to his country. Karasahr enthroned Lipozhun's cousin Xuepo Anazhi as king and still attached themselves to Chunachuo.
57
乙未，鴻臚奏「高麗莫離支貢白金。」 褚遂良曰：「莫離支弒其君，九夷所不容，今將討之而納其金，此郜鼎之類也，臣謂不可受。」 上從之。 上謂高麗使者曰：「汝曹皆事高武，有官爵。 莫離支弒逆，汝曹不能復仇，今更為之遊說以欺大國，罪孰大焉！」 悉以屬大理。
On yiwei, the Court of State Ceremonial reported: "Moyechu of Goguryeo offers tribute of white gold. Chu Suiliang said: "Moyechu murdered his lord — the nine Yi cannot tolerate him. Now we are about to punish him yet accept his gold — this is like Duke Ding's vessel; I say it must not be accepted. The emperor agreed. The emperor said to the Goguryeo envoys: "You all served King Gao Wu and hold office and rank. Moyechu committed regicide; you could not avenge it, and now you speak on his behalf to deceive the great state — what crime could be greater! All were handed over to the Court of Judicial Review.
58
冬，十月，辛丑朔，日有食之。
In winter, the tenth month, on the first day (xinchou), there was a solar eclipse.
59
甲寅，車駕行幸洛陽，以房玄齡留守京師，右衛大將軍、工部尚書李大亮副之。
On jiayin, the imperial carriage proceeded to Luoyang. Fang Xuanling was left to guard the capital, with Li Daliang, Right Guard General and Minister of Works, as his deputy.
60
郭孝恪鎖焉耆王突騎支及其妻子詣行在，敕宥之。 丁巳，上謂太子曰：「焉耆王不求賢輔，不用忠謀，自取滅亡，繫頸束手，漂搖萬里； 人以此思懼，則懼可知矣。」
Guo Xiaoge brought the Karasahr king Tuqizhi and his wife and children in chains to the emperor's presence; an edict pardoned them. On dingsi, the emperor said to the Crown Prince: "The Karasahr king did not seek worthy aides or heed loyal counsel — he brought ruin on himself, bound by the neck with hands tied, adrift ten thousand li; When a man ponders this and feels fear, then how clear fear must be."
61
己巳，畋於澠池之天池； 十一月，壬申，至洛陽。
On jisi, he hunted at the Heavenly Pool at Mianchi; In the eleventh month, on renshen, he reached Luoyang.
62
前宜州刺史鄭元□，已致仕，上以其嘗從隋煬帝伐高麗，召詣行在； 問之，對曰：「遼東道遠，糧運艱阻； 東夷善守城，攻之不可猝下。」 上曰：「今日非隋之比，公但聽之。」
Former Yizhou Prefect Zheng Yuan□, already retired, was summoned to the imperial presence because he had once followed Emperor Yang of Sui in the campaign against Goguryeo; The emperor questioned him; he replied: "The Liaodong route is distant, and grain transport is difficult and obstructed; The Eastern Yi are skilled at holding cities — storming them cannot be done quickly. The emperor said: "Today is not comparable to Sui; you need only wait and see."
63
張儉等值遼水漲，久不得濟，上以為畏懦，召儉詣洛陽。 至，具陳山川險易，水草美惡； 上悅。
Zhang Jian and the others met the Liao River in flood and for a long time could not cross. The emperor thought them timid and summoned Jian to Luoyang. On arrival, he fully reported the terrain's dangers and ease, and the quality of water and grass; The emperor was pleased.
64
上聞洺州刺史程名振善用兵，召問方略，嘉其才敏，勞勉之，曰：「卿有將相之器，朕方將任使。」 名振失不拜謝，上試責怒，以觀其所為，曰：「山東鄙夫，得一刺史，以為富貴極邪！ 敢於天子之側，言語粗疏； 又復不拜！」 名振謝曰：「疏野之臣，未嘗親奉聖問，適方心思所對，故忘拜耳。」 舉止自若，應對愈明辯。 上乃歎曰：「房玄齡處朕左右二十餘年，每見朕譴責餘人，顏色無主。 名振平生未嘗見朕，朕一旦責之，曾無震懾，辭理不失，真奇士也！」 即日拜右驍衛將軍。
The emperor heard that Cheng Mingzhen, Prefect of Bozhou, was skilled in using troops; he summoned him to ask strategy, praised his talent and quickness, encouraged him, and said: "You have the makings of a general and minister — I am just about to employ you. Mingzhen failed to bow in thanks. The emperor, testing him with rebuke to observe his conduct, said: "Eastern Shandong boor — obtaining one prefecture, do you take that as the pinnacle of wealth and rank! You dare, beside the Son of Heaven, to speak coarsely and carelessly; And again you do not bow! Mingzhen apologized: "A rustic subject who has never received the sage's questioning in person — just then my mind was on my reply, so I forgot to bow. His bearing was unperturbed, and his answers grew clearer and sharper. The emperor then sighed and said: "Fang Xuanling has been at my side twenty-odd years; whenever he sees me reprimand others, his face loses all composure. Mingzhen in all his life has never seen me; I rebuked him at once, and he was not shaken in the least — his words and reasoning never failed. A true extraordinary man! That same day he was appointed General of the Right Xiaoqi Guard.
65
甲午，以刑部尚書張亮為平壤道行軍大總管，帥江、淮、嶺、硤兵四萬，長安、洛陽募士三千，戰艦五百艘，自萊州泛海趨平壤； 又以太子詹事、左衛率李世勣為遼東道行軍大總管，帥步騎六萬及蘭、河二州降胡趣遼東，兩軍合勢並進。 庚子，諸軍大集於幽州，遣行軍總管姜行本、少府少監丘行淹先督眾工造梯沖於安蘿山。 時遠近勇士應募及獻攻城器械者不可勝數，上皆親加損益，取其便易。 又手詔諭天下，以「高麗蓋蘇文弒主虐民，情何可忍！ 今欲巡幸幽、薊，問罪遼、碣，所過營頓，無為勞費。」 且言：「昔隋煬帝殘暴其下，高麗王仁愛其民，以思亂之軍擊安和之眾，故不能成功。 今略言必勝之道有五：一曰以大擊小，二曰以順討逆，三曰以治乘亂，四曰以逸敵勞，五曰以悅當怨，何憂不克！ 佈告元元，勿為疑懼！」 於是凡頓捨供費之縣，減者太半。
On jiawu, Zhang Liang, Minister of Justice, was made Grand Marshal of the Pingrang Route, leading forty thousand troops from the Jiang, Huai, Ling, and Xia circuits, three thousand men recruited from Chang'an and Luoyang, and five hundred warships — to sail from Laizhou by sea toward Pingrang; Li Shiji, Grand Tutor of the Crown Prince and Left Guard Commandant, was made Grand Marshal of the Liaodong Route, leading sixty thousand infantry and cavalry plus surrendered barbarians of Lan and He Prefectures toward Liaodong; the two armies were to combine strength and advance together. On gengzi, all armies mustered in great numbers at Youzhou. Marshals Jiang Hangben and Qiu Xingyan, Vice Director of the Palace Workshop, were first dispatched to oversee the craftsmen building scaling ladders and ram-towers on Mount Anluo. At that time warriors near and far who answered the call and those who offered siege engines were beyond counting; the emperor personally revised each design for the better, taking what was convenient and effective. He also wrote an imperial edict by his own hand to instruct the realm: "Goguryeo's Yeon Gaesomun murdered his lord and tyrannized the people — how can such cruelty be endured! Now I wish to tour You and Ji, to demand justice at Liao and Jie; wherever I pass, garrison halts must not burden or waste resources. And he said: "Formerly Emperor Yang of Sui was brutal to his subjects, while the Goguryeo king loved and cared for his people; with a mutinous army he struck a settled populace — therefore success was impossible. Now, briefly, five paths to certain victory: first, strike the small with the great; second, punish the rebel with the lawful; third, ride order over chaos; fourth, pit rested troops against the weary; fifth, meet resentment with satisfaction — why worry of failure! Proclaim this to all the people — do not doubt or fear! Thereupon, of all counties burdened with halt provisions, more than half had their levies reduced.
66
十二月，辛丑，武陽懿公李大亮卒於長安，遺表請罷高麗之師。 家餘米五斛，布三十匹。 親戚早孤為大亮所養，喪之如父者十有五人。
In the twelfth month, on xinchou, Li Daliang, Duke of Wuyang, died at Chang'an; his final memorial requested that the Goguryeo campaign be halted. The household had remaining five hu of grain and thirty bolts of cloth. Of relatives orphaned early whom Daliang had raised, fifteen mourned him as a father.
67
壬寅，故太子承乾卒於黔州，上為之廢朝，葬以國公禮。
On renyin, the former Crown Prince Chengqian died at Qianzhou. The emperor suspended court for him and buried him with the rites of a state duke.
68
甲寅，詔諸軍及新羅、百濟、奚、契丹分道擊高麗。
On jiayin, an edict ordered all armies, together with Silla, Baekje, the Xi, and the Khitan, to strike Goguryeo by separate routes.
69
初，上遣突厥俟利苾可汗北渡河，薛延陀真珠可汗恐其部落翻動，意甚惡之，豫蓄輕騎於漠北，欲擊之。 上遣使戒敕無得相攻。 真珠可汗對曰：「至尊有命，安敢不從！ 然突厥翻覆難期，當其未破之時，歲犯中國，殺人以千萬計。 臣以為至尊克之，當剪為奴婢，以賜中國之人； 乃反養之如子，其恩德至矣，而結社率竟反。 此屬獸心，安可以人理待也！ 臣荷恩深厚，請為至尊誅之。」 自是數相攻。
Earlier, the emperor had sent the Türk Qilibi Khagan north across the river. The Xueyantuo True-Pearl Khagan feared his tribes would shift allegiance and hated the move deeply; he pre-stationed light cavalry north of the desert, intending to strike. The emperor sent envoys with stern warnings that they must not attack each other. Zhenzhu Khan replied, "When the Son of Heaven commands, how could I dare refuse! Yet the Turks are treacherous and unreliable. Before they were shattered, they raided China year after year, slaying people by the millions. In my view, when Your Majesty conquered them, you should have cut them down and made them bondmen and maidservants for the people of China— —yet instead you nurtured them as though they were your own sons. Your kindness could scarcely have been greater, and still Jiesheshuai rebelled in the end. Such people have the hearts of beasts. How can you treat them by human standards! I have received Your Majesty's deep favor; allow me to put them to death for you." From then on the two sides repeatedly clashed.
70
俟利苾之北渡也，有眾十萬，勝兵四萬人，俟利苾不能撫御，眾不愜服。 戊午，悉棄俟利苾南渡河，請處於勝、夏之間； 上許之。 群臣皆以為：「陛下方遠征遼左，而置突厥於河南，距京師不遠，豈得不為後慮！ 願留鎮洛陽，遣諸將東征。」 上曰：「夷狄亦人耳，其情與中夏不殊。 人主患德澤不加，不必猜忌異類。 蓋德澤洽，則四夷可使如一家； 猜忌多，則骨肉不免為仇亂。 煬帝無道，失人已久，遼東之役，人皆斷手足以避征役，玄感以運卒反於黎陽，非戎狄為患也。 朕今征高麗，皆取願行者，募十得百，募百得千，其不得從軍者，皆憤歎鬱邑，豈比隋之行怨民哉！ 突厥貧弱，吾收而養之，計其感恩，入於骨髓，豈肯為患！ 且彼與薛延陀嗜欲略同，彼不北走薛延陀而南歸我，其情可見矣。」 顧謂褚遂良曰：「爾知起居，為我志之，自今十五年，保無突厥之患。」 俟利苾既失眾，輕騎入朝，上以為右武衛將軍。
When Qilibi led his people north across the river, his following numbered one hundred thousand, including forty thousand fighting men. He could not command them effectively, and the tribes were restless and discontent. On wuwu, the entire tribe deserted Qilibi, crossed the Yellow River to the south, and asked to be resettled between Shengzhou and Xiazhou. The emperor granted their request. All the ministers argued, "Your Majesty is about to launch a distant campaign in Liaodong, yet you are settling the Turks south of the Yellow River, not far from the capital. Surely we must reckon with what may come afterward! We ask that you remain to hold Luoyang and send the generals east on the campaign." The emperor said, "The barbarians too are human beings; their hearts are no different from those of the Central Lands. A ruler's concern should be that his grace and kindness fail to reach them, not that he must distrust those who differ from him. When grace and kindness suffuse the realm, the four quarters of barbarians can be made one household; when suspicion runs deep, even kin cannot escape turning into enemies and rebels. Emperor Yang was without the Way and had long since lost the people's hearts. During the Liaodong campaign, men maimed themselves to escape conscription, and Yang Xuansense raised transport conscripts in revolt at Liyang. The danger did not come from the barbarians. In my campaign against Goguryeo I take only volunteers. For every ten I recruit, a hundred come forward; for every hundred, a thousand. Those who cannot join the army sigh in frustration and resentment. How can that compare with the Sui marching a people seething with grievance! The Turks are poor and weak. I took them in and nourished them, expecting gratitude that would sink into their marrow. Why would they turn against us! Moreover, their appetites are much the same as the Xueyantuo's. They did not flee north to the Xueyantuo but came south to us — their inclinations are plain enough." Turning to Chu Suiliang, he said, "You keep the imperial diary. Record this for me: from today, for fifteen years, I guarantee there will be no trouble from the Turks." Having lost his following, Qilibi came to court with a small escort. The emperor appointed him General of the Right Martial Guard.
71
春，正月，韋挺坐不先行視漕渠，運米六百餘艘至盧思台側，淺塞不能進，械送洛陽； 丁酉，除名，以將作少監李道裕代之。 崔仁師亦坐免官。
In spring, the first month, Wei Ting was punished for failing to inspect the canal in advance. More than six hundred grain barges reached the banks of Lusi Terrace but ran aground in the shallows and could not proceed. He was sent to Luoyang in fetters. On dingyou he was dismissed from office. Li Daoyu, Assistant Director of the Directorate of Palace Construction, replaced him. Cui Renshi was also dismissed from office on the same charge.
72
滄州刺史席辯坐贓污，二月，庚子，詔朝集使臨觀而戮之。
Xi Bian, prefect of Cangzhou, was convicted of corruption. In the second month, on gengzi, an edict ordered the provincial aggregators to attend and witness his execution.
73
庚戌，上自將諸軍發洛陽，以特進蕭瑀為洛陽宮留守。 乙卯，詔：「朕發定州後，宜令皇太子監國。」 開府儀同三司致仕尉遲敬德上言：「陛下親征遼東，太子在定州，長安、洛陽心腹空虛，恐有玄感之變。 且邊隅小夷，不足以勤萬乘，願遣偏師征之，指期可殄。」 上不從。 以敬德為左一馬軍總管，使從行。
On gengxu the emperor personally led the armies out from Luoyang, appointing Tejin Xiao Yu to remain as guardian of the Luoyang Palace. On yimao an edict declared, "After I leave Dingzhou, the Crown Prince shall be ordered to oversee the realm." The retired Kaifu Yitong Sansi Yuchi Jingde submitted a memorial: "Your Majesty is personally campaigning in Liaodong while the Crown Prince remains at Dingzhou. Chang'an and Luoyang, the heartlands, stand empty. I fear a revolt like Yang Xuansense's. Moreover, a petty border tribe is not worth moving the imperial chariot. Send a detached force against them, and within a fixed term they can be destroyed." The emperor did not accept the advice. He appointed Jingde Commander-in-Chief of the Left First Horse Army and had him accompany the campaign.
74
丁巳，詔謚殷太師比干曰忠列，所司封其墓，春秋祠以少牢，給隨近五戶供灑掃。
On dingsi an edict posthumously ennobled Yin Grand Master Bi Gan as Loyal and Upright. The responsible offices were to enclose his tomb, offer spring and autumn sacrifices with a young ox, and grant five nearby households to maintain it.
75
上之發京師也，命房玄齡得以便宜從事，不復奏請。 或詣留台稱有密，玄齡問密謀所在，對曰：「公則是也。」 玄齡驛送行在。 上聞留守有表送告密人，上怒，使人持長刀於前而後見之，問告者為誰，曰：「房玄齡。」 上曰：「果然。」 叱令腰斬。 璽書讓玄齡以不能自信，「更有如是者，可專決之。」
When the emperor set out from the capital, he authorized Fang Xuanling to act at his discretion without submitting every matter for approval. Someone came to the rear secretariat claiming to possess a secret. Xuanling asked where the conspiracy lay. The man replied, "You are the conspirator." Xuanling sent him by relay post to the emperor's camp. When the emperor learned that the rear guard had forwarded the informer in a memorial, he was furious. He had a man hold a long saber before him and then received him. Asked whom he accused, the man said, "Fang Xuanling." The emperor said, "Just as I thought." He ordered him cut in two at the waist. An imperial letter rebuked Xuanling for lacking confidence: "If more such cases arise, you may decide them yourself."
76
癸亥，上至鄴，自為文祭魏太祖，曰：「臨危制變，料敵設奇，一將之智有餘，萬乘之才不足。」
On guihai the emperor reached Ye and himself composed a sacrificial text for Wei Founding Emperor Cao Cao, saying, "In crisis he adapted and changed course; he read the enemy and laid stratagems. As a general his wisdom was more than sufficient; as a ruler of ten thousand chariots his talent fell short."
77
是月，李世勣軍至幽州。
That month Li Shiji's army reached Youzhou.
78
三月，丁丑，車駕至定州。 丁亥，上謂侍臣曰：「遼東本中國之地，隋氏四出師而不能得； 朕今東征，欲為中國報子弟之仇，高麗雪君父之恥耳。 且方隅大定，惟此未平，故及朕之未老，用士大夫餘力以取之。 朕自發洛陽，唯啖肉飯，雖春蔬亦不之進，懼其煩憂故也。」 上見病卒，召至御榻前存慰，付州縣療之，士卒莫不感悅。 有不預征名，自願以私裝從軍，動以千討，皆曰：「不求縣官勳賞，惟願效死遼東！」 上不許。
In the third month, on dingchou, the imperial carriage reached Dingzhou. On dinghai the emperor told his attendant ministers, "Liaodong was originally Chinese territory, yet the Sui sent armies four times and still could not take it. I campaign east now to avenge for China the deaths of its sons and brothers, and to wipe away the disgrace Goguryeo has inflicted upon our sovereign and fathers. Moreover, the realm is largely settled and only this corner remains unconquered. While I am not yet old, I mean to use whatever strength the scholar-officials still have to take it. Since leaving Luoyang I have eaten only meat and rice. I have not even allowed spring vegetables, for fear of burdening the people." When he saw sick soldiers, he summoned them to his couch to inquire after them and entrusted them to the local prefectures and counties for treatment. The troops were deeply moved. Men not on the draft rolls volunteered to join the army with their own equipment, often numbering in the thousands. All said, "We ask for no official honors or rewards — we only wish to die serving in Liaodong!" The emperor did not allow it.
79
上將發，太子悲泣數日，上曰：「今留汝鎮守，輔以俊賢，欲使天下識汝風采。 夫為國之要，在於進賢退不肖，賞善罰惡，至公無私，汝當努力行此，悲泣何為！」 命開府儀同三司高士廉攝太子太傅，與劉洎、馬周、少詹事張行成、右庶子高季輔同掌機務，輔太子。 長孫無忌、岑文本與吏部尚書楊師道從行。 壬辰，車駕發定州，親佩弓矢，手結雨衣於鞍後。 命長孫元忌攝侍中，楊師道攝中書令。
As the emperor prepared to depart, the Crown Prince wept for days. The emperor said, "I leave you now to hold the realm, assisted by outstanding men of talent. I want the empire to see what you are made of. The essentials of governing lie in advancing the worthy and removing the unworthy, rewarding good and punishing evil, with utmost fairness and no partiality. Strive to do this. What good are tears!" He appointed Kaifu Yitong Sansi Gao Shilian acting Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and together with Liu Ji, Ma Zhou, Junior Guardian Zhang Xingcheng, and Right Vice-Gentleman Gao Jifu put them in charge of state affairs to assist the Crown Prince. Changsun Wuji, Cen Wenben, and Minister of Personnel Yang Shidao accompanied the campaign. On renchen the imperial carriage departed Dingzhou. The emperor personally wore bow and arrows and tied a rain cloak behind his saddle with his own hands. He ordered Changsun Yuanji to serve as acting Palace Attendant and Yang Shidao as acting Director of the Secretariat.
80
李世勣軍發柳城，多張形勢，若出懷遠鎮者，而潛師北趣甬道，出高麗不意。 夏，四月，戊戌朔，世勣自通定濟遼水，至玄菟。 高麗大駭，城邑皆閉門自守。 壬寅，遼東道副大總管江夏王道宗將兵數千至新城，折衝都尉曹三良引十餘騎直壓城門，城中驚擾，無敢出者。 營州都督張儉將胡兵為前鋒，進渡遼水，趨建安城，破高麗兵，斬首數千級。 太子引高士廉同榻視事，又令更為士廉設案，士廉固辭。
Li Shiji's army set out from Liucheng, making a great show as though heading from Huaiyuan garrison, while secretly marching north along the Yongdao route to take Goguryeo by surprise. In summer, the fourth month, on the first day (wuxu), Shiji crossed the Liao River from Tongding and reached Xuantu. Goguryeo was thrown into panic. Cities and towns everywhere shut their gates and held fast. On renyin, Assistant Grand Commander of the Liaodong Route, Prince Jiangxia Li Daozong, led several thousand men to Xincheng. Irregular-Cavalry Commander Cao Sanliang took a dozen horsemen straight to the city gate. Inside the city there was panic; no one dared come out. Yingzhou Protector-General Zhang Jian led Hu troops as vanguard, crossed the Liao River, pushed toward Jian'an city, defeated the Goguryeo army, and took several thousand heads. The Crown Prince had Gao Shilian share his couch while conducting affairs, and again ordered a separate desk set out for Shilian. Shilian firmly declined.
81
丁未，車駕發幽州。 上悉以軍中資糧、器械、簿書委岑文本，文本鳳夜勤力，躬自料配，籌、筆不去手，精神耗竭，言辭舉措，頗異平日。 上見而憂之，謂左右曰：「文本與我同行，恐不與我同返。」 是日，遇暴疾而薨。 其夕，上聞嚴鼓聲，曰：「文本殞沒，所不忍聞，命撤之。」 時右庶子許敬宗在定州，與高士廉等共知機要，文本薨，上召敬宗，以本官檢校中書侍郎。
On dingwei the imperial carriage departed Youzhou. The emperor entrusted all army provisions, weapons, and records to Cen Wenben. Wenben toiled day and night, personally tallying and allocating supplies. Counting-rods and brush never left his hand. His spirit was drained; his speech and bearing were markedly unlike his usual self. The emperor saw this and grew anxious. He told those around him, "Wenben set out with me — I fear he will not return with me." That very day he was struck by a sudden illness and died. That evening the emperor heard the night-watch drums and said, "Wenben is gone — I cannot bear to hear them. Have them stopped." At the time Right Vice-Gentleman Xu Jingzong was at Dingzhou, sharing confidential affairs with Gao Shilian and others. When Wenben died, the emperor summoned Jingzong and had him retain his original rank while concurrently serving as Vice Director of the Secretariat.
82
壬子，李世勣、江夏王道宗攻高麗蓋牟城。 丁巳，車駕至北平。 癸亥，李世勣等拔蓋牟城，獲二萬餘口，糧十餘萬石。
On renzi Li Shiji and Prince Jiangxia Daozong attacked Goguryeo's Gaimou city. On dingsi the imperial carriage reached Beiping. On guihai Li Shiji and the others captured Gaimou city, taking more than twenty thousand people and over one hundred thousand shi of grain.
83
張亮帥舟師自東萊渡海，襲卑沙城，其城四面懸絕，惟西門可上。 程名振引兵夜至，副總管王大度先登，五月，己巳，拔之，獲男女八千口。 分遣總管丘孝忠等曜兵於鴨綠水。
Zhang Liang commanded a fleet, crossing the sea from Denglai to strike Beisha city. The city was sheer on all four sides; only the west gate could be climbed. Cheng Mingzhen led his troops there by night. Assistant Commander-in-Chief Wang Dadu was first to scale the wall. In the fifth month, on jisi, they took the city and captured eight thousand men and women. He dispatched Commanders Qiu Xiaozhong and others to show force along the Yalu River.
84
李世勣進至遼東城下。 庚午，車駕至遼澤，泥淖二百餘里，人馬不可通，將作大匠閻立德布土作橋，軍不留行。 壬申，渡澤東。 乙亥，高麗步騎四萬救遼東，江夏王道宗將四千騎逆擊之，軍中皆以為眾寡懸絕，不若深溝高壘以俟車駕之至。 道宗曰：「賊恃眾，有輕我心，遠來疲頓，擊之必敗。 且吾屬為前軍，當清道以待乘輿，乃更以賊遺君父乎！」 李世勣以為然。 果毅都尉馬文舉曰：「不遇勁敵，何以顯壯士！」 策馬趨敵，所向皆靡，眾心稍安。 既合戰，行軍總管張君乂退走，唐兵不利，道宗收散卒，登高而望，見高麗陳亂，與驍騎數十沖之，左右出入； 李世勣引兵助之，高麗大敗，斬首千餘級。
Li Shiji advanced to the foot of Liaodong city. On gengwu the imperial carriage reached Liao Marsh. For more than two hundred li the ground was mud and mire, impassable to men and horses. Chief Artisan Yan Lide spread earth to build bridges, and the army did not pause. On renshen they crossed to the east of the marsh. On yihai forty thousand Goguryeo infantry and cavalry came to relieve Liaodong. Prince Jiangxia Daozong led four thousand horsemen to intercept them. In the army all thought the odds hopeless and argued for digging trenches and raising ramparts to await the emperor's arrival. Daozong said, "The enemy trusts in numbers and underestimates us. They have come from far away and are exhausted. Strike them and we are sure to win. Moreover, we are the vanguard. We should clear the road for the imperial carriage — shall we leave the enemy for our sovereign and father instead!" Li Shiji agreed. Irregular-Cavalry Commander Ma Wenju said, "Without meeting a formidable foe, how can a bold warrior prove himself!" He spurred his horse toward the enemy. Wherever he rode, the foe gave way, and the troops' hearts steadied. Once battle was joined, Marching Commander Zhang Junyi fled and the Tang troops faltered. Daozong gathered the scattered soldiers, climbed high to look, saw the Goguryeo formation in disorder, and with several dozen elite horsemen charged in, wheeling in and out; Li Shiji led troops to assist. Goguryeo was routed and more than a thousand heads were taken.
85
丁丑，車駕渡遼水，撤橋，以堅士卒之心，軍於馬首山，勞賜江夏王道宗，超拜馬文舉中郎將，斬張君乂。 上自將數百騎至遼東城下，見土卒負土填塹，上分其尤重者，於馬上持之，從官爭負土致城下。 李世勣攻遼東城，晝夜不息，旬有二日，上引精兵會之，圍其城數百重，鼓噪聲震天地。 甲申，南風急，上遣銳卒登沖竿之末，爇其西南樓，火延燒城中，因麾將士登城，高麗力戰不能敵，遂克之，所殺萬餘人，得勝兵萬餘人，男女四萬口，以其城為遼州。
On dingchou the imperial carriage crossed the Liao River and had the bridges removed to stiffen the troops' resolve. He encamped at Mount Mashou, rewarded Prince Jiangxia Daozong, specially promoted Ma Wenju to Gentleman-of-the-Guard, and executed Zhang Junyi. The emperor personally led several hundred horsemen to Liaodong city and saw soldiers carrying earth to fill the moat. He took the heaviest loads and carried them on horseback, and his attendants competed to carry earth to the foot of the wall. Li Shiji besieged Liaodong city day and night without rest. After twelve days the emperor brought elite troops to join him. They ringed the city in layer upon layer, and the din of drums and shouts shook heaven and earth. On jiashen a fierce south wind blew. The emperor sent crack troops to the tops of scaling poles to set fire to the southwest tower. The flames spread through the city, and he then waved his generals and soldiers up the walls. Goguryeo fought hard but could not hold. The city fell. More than ten thousand were killed, more than ten thousand effectives were taken, and forty thousand men and women were captured. The city was made Liaozhou.
86
乙未，進軍白巖城。 丙申，右衛大將軍李思摩中弩矢，上親為之吮血； 將士聞之，莫不感動。 烏骨城遣兵萬餘為白巖聲援，將軍契苾何力以勁騎八百擊之，何力挺身陷陳，槊中其腰； 尚輦奉御薛萬備單騎往救之，拔何力於萬眾之中而還。 何力氣益憤，束瘡而戰，從騎奮擊，遂破高麗兵，追奔數十里，斬首千餘級，會暝而罷。 萬備，萬徹之弟也。」」
On yiwei the army advanced on Baiyan city. On bingshen Right Guard General Li Simo was struck by a crossbow bolt, and the emperor personally sucked the blood from the wound; When the troops heard of this, all were deeply moved. Wugu city sent more than ten thousand troops to relieve Baiyan. General Qibi Heli attacked with eight hundred fierce horsemen. Heli plunged personally into the enemy ranks and was struck in the waist by a spear; Palace Carriage Attendant Xue Wanbei rode alone to rescue him, pulling Heli from amid ten thousand men and bringing him back. Heli, his fury mounting, bound his wound and fought on. His horsemen struck hard, routed the Goguryeo army, pursued the fleeing enemy for several dozen li, and took more than a thousand heads before stopping at dusk. Wanbei was the younger brother of Xue Wanche.””