1
資治通鑑第206卷
Zizhi Tongjian, Volume 206.
2
卷第二百六
Volume 206.
3
【唐紀二十二】起強圉作噩，盡上章困敦六月，凡三年有奇。
[Tang Annals 22] From dingyou (697) through the sixth month of gengzi (700)—a little more than three years in all.
4
正月，己亥朔，太后享通天宮。
In the first month, on jihai, the new moon, the Empress Dowager offered sacrifice at the Tongtian Palace.
5
突厥默啜寇靈州，以許欽明自隨。 欽明至城下大呼，求美醬、粱米及墨，意欲城中選良將，引精兵、夜襲虜營，而城中無諭其意者。
The Turk chieftain Mokuan invaded Ling Prefecture, taking Xu Qinming captive. When Qinming reached the foot of the walls he cried out for fine sauce, millet, and ink—planning to have the city choose a capable general and lead elite troops in a night attack on the barbarian camp—but no one inside understood what he meant.
6
箕州刺史劉思禮學相人於術士張憬藏，憬藏謂思禮當歷箕州，位至太師。 思禮念太師人臣極貴，非佐命無以致之，乃與洛州錄事參軍綦連耀謀反，陰結朝士，托相術，許人富貴，俟其意悅，因說以「綦連耀有天命，公必因之以得富貴。」 鳳閣舍人王劇兼天官侍郎事，用思禮為箕州刺史。
Jizhou Inspector Liu Silu studied physiognomy under the adept Zhang Jingzang, who told him he would hold office in Jizhou and rise to Grand Preceptor. Silu reasoned that Grand Preceptor was the highest rank a subject could hold, reachable only by aiding a founding sovereign; he plotted rebellion with Luozhou Registrar-Adjutant Qilian Yao, secretly recruiting court officials through fortune-telling, promising them wealth and rank, and when they were receptive telling them, "Qilian Yao has Heaven's mandate; you will surely rise through him." Wang Ju of Fengge, who was also acting Vice Minister of the Bureau of Celestial Offices, appointed Silu inspector of Jizhou.
7
明堂尉河南吉頊聞其謀，以告合宮尉來俊臣，使上變告之。 太后使河內王武懿宗推之。 懿宗令思禮廣引朝士，許免其死，凡小忤意者皆引之。 於是思禮引鳳閣侍郎同平章事李元素、夏官侍郎同平章事孫元亨、知天官侍郎事石抱忠、劉奇、給事中周譒及王勃兄涇州刺史勉、弟監察御史助等，凡三十六家，皆海內名士，窮楚毒以成其獄。 壬戌，皆族誅之，親舊連坐流竄者千餘人。
Mingtang Commandant Ji Xu of Henan learned of the plot and informed Hegong Commandant Lai Junchen, who had him lodge an accusatory memorial. The Empress Dowager had Prince Wu Yizong of Henei investigate the case. Yizong had Silu implicate many court officials, promising to spare their lives; anyone who had even slightly offended him was named. Silu then implicated Associate Counselors Li Yuansu and Sun Yuanheng, Acting Vice Minister of Celestial Offices Shi Baozhong, Liu Qi, Supervising Censor Zhou Pu, and Wang Bo's brothers Mian and Zhu—thirty-six households in all, every one a celebrated figure in the empire—subjecting them to the full rigor of Chu torture to force confessions. On renxu, all were executed along with their entire clans, and more than a thousand relatives and associates were banished as accomplices.
8
初，懿宗寬思禮於外，使誣引諸人。 諸人既誅，然後收思禮，思禮悔之。 懿宗自天授以來，太后數使之鞫獄，喜誣陷人，時人以為周、來之亞。
Earlier, Yizong had kept Silu at liberty outside the prison so he could falsely implicate others. After the others had been executed, he finally arrested Silu, who was filled with remorse. Since the Tianshou era the Empress Dowager had repeatedly sent Yizong to interrogate prisoners; he delighted in framing the innocent, and contemporaries ranked him just below Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen.
9
來俊臣欲擅其功，復羅告吉頊； 頊上變，得召見，僅免。 俊臣由是復用，而頊亦以此得進。 俊臣黨人羅告司刑府史樊惎謀反，誅之。 惎子訟冤於朝堂，無敢理者，乃援刀自刳其腹。 秋官侍郎上邽劉如璿見之，竊歎而泣。 俊臣奏如璿黨惡逆，下獄，處以絞刑； 制流絞州。
Lai Junchen, wanting sole credit for the case, fabricated charges against Ji Xu as well; Xu lodged an accusatory memorial, was summoned to audience, and narrowly escaped punishment. Junchen was thereby restored to favor, and Xu also advanced on the strength of this affair. One of Junchen's partisans fabricated charges that Bureau of Justice clerk Fan Ji was plotting rebellion, and Fan was executed. Ji's son pleaded his father's innocence in the court hall; when no one dared hear the case, he seized a knife and cut open his own belly. Autumn Offices Vice Minister Liu Ruquan of Shanggui saw it and wept in private dismay. Junchen memorialized that Ruquan had abetted treason; he was imprisoned and sentenced to strangulation; but an edict commuted the sentence to exile in Jiaozhou.
10
尚乘奉御張易之，行成之族孫也，年少，美姿容，善音律。 太平公主薦易之弟昌宗入侍禁中，昌宗復薦易之，兄弟皆得幸於太后，常傅朱粉，衣錦繡。 昌宗累遷散騎常侍，易之為司衛少卿； 拜其母韋氏、臧氏為太夫人，賞賜不可勝紀，仍敕鳳閣侍郎李迥秀為臧氏私夫。 迥秀，大亮之族孫也。 武承嗣、三思、懿宗、宗楚客、晉卿皆侯易之門庭，爭執鞭轡，謂易之為五郎，昌宗為六郎。
Palace Stud Groom Zhang Yizhi, a descendant of Zhang Xingcheng's line, was young and handsome and skilled in music. Princess Taiping recommended Yizhi's younger brother Changzong for service in the inner palace; Changzong then recommended Yizhi in turn; both brothers won the Empress Dowager's favor, habitually rouging their faces and dressing in brocade. Changzong rose to Regular Attendant of the Rapid Cavalry, and Yizhi became Vice Director of the Palace Guards; their mothers Lady Wei and Lady Zang were enfeoffed as Grand Ladies; rewards were beyond counting, and Fengge Vice Minister Li Huixiu was ordered to serve as Lady Zang's private consort. Huixiu was a descendant of Li Daliang's line. Wu Chengsi, Wu Sansi, Yizong, Zong Chuke, and Jin Qing all waited at Yizhi's gate, competing to hold his whip and bridle, calling Yizhi Fifth Lord and Changzong Sixth Lord.
11
癸亥，突厥默啜寇勝州，平狄軍副使安道買擊破之。
On guihai, the Turk Mokuan invaded Sheng Prefecture; Pingdi Army Vice Commissioner An Daomai defeated him.
12
甲子，以原州司馬婁師德守鳳閣侍郎、同平章事。
On jiazi, Yuan Prefecture Administrator Lou Shide was appointed Acting Fengge Vice Minister and Associate Counselor.
13
春，三月，戊申，清邊道總管王孝傑、蘇宏暉等將兵十七萬與孫萬榮戰於東硤石谷，唐兵大敗，孝傑死之。
In spring, the third month, on wushen, Qingbian Circuit Commander Wang Xiaojie and Su Honghui led one hundred seventy thousand troops against Sun Wanrong at East Xiashi Valley; the Tang army was routed and Xiaojie was killed.
14
孝傑遇契丹，帥精兵為前鋒，力戰。 契丹引退，孝傑追之，行背懸崖，契丹回兵薄之，宏暉先遁，孝傑墜崖死，將士死亡殆盡。 管記洛陽張說馳奏其事。 太后贈孝傑官爵，遣使斬宏暉以徇； 使者未至，宏暉以立功得免。
Xiaojie met the Khitan, led elite troops as vanguard, and fought fiercely. The Khitan feigned retreat; Xiaojie pursued them along a cliffside road; the Khitan wheeled about and closed in; Honghui fled first; Xiaojie fell from the cliff and died; officers and soldiers were nearly wiped out. Luoyang Recorder Zhang Yue sent an urgent memorial reporting the disaster. The Empress Dowager posthumously enfeoffed Xiaojie and sent an envoy to execute Honghui as a public warning; but before the envoy arrived, Honghui was spared on account of merit earned in battle.
15
武攸宜軍漁陽，聞孝傑等敗沒，軍中震恐，不敢進。 契丹乘勝寇幽州，攻陷城邑，剽掠吏民，攸宜遣將擊之，不克。
Wu Youyi's army was at Yuyang; when word came that Xiaojie and his force had been destroyed, the troops were shaken with fear and dared not advance. The Khitan pressed their victory, raided You Prefecture, captured towns, and plundered officials and commoners; Youyi sent generals against them but could not prevail.
16
閻知微、田歸道同使突厥，冊默啜為可汗。 知微中道遇默啜使者，輒與之緋袍、銀帶，且上言：「虜使至都，宜大為供張。」 歸道上言：「突厥背誕積年，方今悔過，宜待聖恩寬宥。 今知微擅與之袍帶，使朝廷無以復加； 宜令反初服以俟朝恩。 又，小虜使臣，不足大為供張。」 太后然之。 知微見默啜，舞蹈，吮其靴鼻； 歸道長揖不拜。 默啜囚歸道，將殺之，歸道辭色不撓，責其無厭，為陳禍福。 阿波達干元珍曰：「大國使者，不可殺也。」 默啜怒稍解，但拘留不遣。
Yan Zhiwei and Tian Guidao served jointly as envoys to the Turks to invest Mokuan as qaghan. Zhiwei met Mokuan's envoys en route and at once gave them scarlet robes and silver belts, memorializing, "When the barbarian envoys reach the capital, they should be entertained on a grand scale." Guidao memorialized, "The Turks have rebelled for many years; now that they repent, they should await imperial clemency. Zhiwei has on his own authority given them robes and belts, leaving the court nothing further to bestow; they should be made to return to their original dress and await the court's grace. Moreover, these are minor barbarian envoys and do not warrant grand entertainment." The Empress Dowager agreed. When Zhiwei met Mokuan he danced and kissed the toe of his boot; Guidao made a long bow but refused to prostrate himself. Mokuan imprisoned Guidao and was about to kill him; Guidao's words and bearing never faltered; he reproached Mokuan's greed and laid out the consequences of fortune and ruin. Apo Dagan Yuanzhen said, "An envoy of a great power must not be killed." Mokuan's anger eased somewhat, but he detained Guidao and would not let him go.
17
初，鹹亨中，突厥有降者，皆處之豐、勝、靈、夏、朔、代六州，至是，默啜求六州降戶及單于都護府之地，並谷種、繒帛、農器、鐵，太后不許。 默啜怒，言辭悖慢。 姚□、楊再思以契丹未平，請依默啜所求給之。 麟台少監、知鳳閣侍郎贊皇李嶠曰：「戎狄貪而無信，此所謂『借寇兵資盜糧』也，不如治兵以備之。」 □、再思固請與之，乃悉驅六州降戶數千帳以與默啜，並給谷種四萬斛，雜彩五萬段，農器三千事，鐵數萬斤，並許其昏。 默啜由是益強。
Earlier, in the Xianheng era, surrendering Turks had been settled in the six prefectures of Feng, Sheng, Ling, Xia, Shuo, and Dai; now Mokuan demanded those surrendered households, the territory of the Chanyu Protectorate, grain seed, silks, farm tools, and iron; the Empress Dowager refused. Mokuan grew angry and his words turned insolent and disrespectful. Yao Yuanchong and Yang Zaisi, because the Khitan rebellion was not yet suppressed, urged that Mokuan's demands be met. Lintai Vice Director and Acting Fengge Vice Minister Li Qiao of Zanhuang said, "The barbarians are greedy and untrustworthy; this is lending arms to the enemy and grain to a thief. We would do better to train troops and prepare our defenses." Yao and Zaisi pressed their case, and several thousand surrendered households from the six prefectures were driven out to Mokuan, together with forty thousand hu of grain seed, fifty thousand lengths of mixed silks, three thousand sets of farm tools, tens of thousands of jin of iron, and permission for a marriage alliance. Mokuan thereby grew still stronger.
18
田歸道始得還，與閻知微爭論於太后前。 歸道以為默啜必負約，不可恃和親，宜為之備。 知微以為和親必可保。
When Tian Guidao at last returned, he and Yan Zhiwei argued their cases before the Empress Dowager. Guidao argued that Mokuan would surely break his word and that marriage alliance was no security; defenses should be prepared. Zhiwei insisted that marriage alliance would surely guarantee peace.
19
夏，四月，鑄九鼎成，徙置通天宮。 豫州鼎高丈八尺，受千八百石； 餘州高丈四尺，受千二百石； 各圖山川物產於其上，共用銅五十六萬七百餘斤。 太后欲以黃金千兩塗之，姚□曰：「九鼎神器，貴於天質自然。 且臣觀其五采煥炳相雜，不待金色以為炫耀。」 太后從之。 自玄武門曳入，令宰相、諸王帥南北牙宿衛兵十餘萬人並仗內大牛、白象共曳之。
In summer, the fourth month, the Nine Cauldrons were cast and moved to the Tongtian Palace. The Yuzhou cauldron stood one zhang eight chi high and held one thousand eight hundred shi; the others stood one zhang four chi high and held one thousand two hundred shi; each was decorated with its province's mountains, rivers, and products; more than five hundred sixty thousand jin of bronze were used in all. The Empress Dowager wished to gild them with one thousand liang of gold; Yao Yuanchong said, "The Nine Cauldrons are sacred vessels; their worth lies in the natural quality Heaven gave them. Moreover, their five colors already blaze and mingle; they need no gold for display." The Empress Dowager accepted his counsel. They were dragged in through the Xuanwu Gate; the chief ministers and princes led more than one hundred thousand guards of the northern and southern yamen, together with great oxen and white elephants from the palace precincts, to haul them in.
20
前益州長史王及善已致仕，會契丹作亂，山東不安，起為滑州刺史。 太后召見，問以朝廷得失，及善陳治亂之要十餘條。 太后曰：「外州末事，此為根本，卿不可出。」 癸酉，留為內史。
Former Yizhou Chief Administrator Wang Jishan had retired; when the Khitan rebelled and Shandong grew unsettled, he was recalled as prefect of Hua. The Empress Dowager summoned him and asked about the court's strengths and failings; Jishan laid out more than ten essentials of good and bad government. The Empress Dowager said, "A provincial post is a minor matter; this capital is the root—you must not leave." On guiyou he was retained as Inner Secretary.
21
癸未，以右金吾衛大將軍武懿宗為神兵道行軍大總管，與右豹韜衛將軍何迦密將兵擊契丹。 五月，癸卯，又以婁師德為清邊道副大總管，右武威衛將軍沙吒忠義為前軍總管，將兵二十萬擊契丹。
On guiwei, Right Golden Canopy Guard General Wu Yizong was made Grand Commander of the Shenbing campaign army and, with Right Leopard Bow Guard General He Jiami, led troops against the Khitan. In the fifth month, on guimao, Lou Shide was also made Deputy Grand Commander of the Qingbian Circuit, Right Martial Might Guard General Shazha Zhongyi was made Vanguard Commander, and they led two hundred thousand troops against the Khitan.
22
先是，有朱前疑者，上書云：「臣夢陛下壽滿八百。」 即拜拾遺。 又自言「夢陛下發白再玄，齒落更生。」 遷駕部郎中。 出使還，上書云：「聞嵩山呼萬歲。」 賜以緋算袋，時未五品，於綠衫上佩之。 會發兵討契丹，敕京官出馬一匹供軍，酬以五品。 前疑買馬輸之，屢抗表求進階； 太后惡其貪鄙，六月，乙丑，敕還其馬，斥歸田裡。
Earlier there was a man named Zhu Qianyi who memorialized, "Your servant dreamed that Your Majesty would live eight hundred years." He was at once appointed Remonstrator. He also claimed, "I dreamed that Your Majesty's white hair turned black again and fallen teeth grew back." He was promoted to Director in the Imperial Transport Bureau. Returning from a mission abroad, he memorialized, "I heard Mount Song cry 'Long live the sovereign!' He was granted a scarlet tally-pouch; though he had not yet reached the fifth rank, he wore it on his green robe. When troops were raised against the Khitan, capital officials were ordered to furnish one horse each for the army, with fifth-rank status as reward. Qianyi bought a horse and presented it, repeatedly demanding promotion; the Empress Dowager detested his greed; in the sixth month, on yichou, an edict returned his horse and sent him back to his fields.
23
右司郎中馮翊喬知之有美妾曰碧玉，知之為之不昏。 武承嗣藉以教諸姬，遂留不還。 知之作《綠珠怨》詩以寄之，碧玉赴井死。 承嗣得詩於裙帶，大怒，諷酷吏羅告，族之。
Right Department Director Qiao Zhizhi of Fengyi had a beautiful concubine named Biyu; for her sake he never married. Wu Chengsi borrowed her to instruct his concubines and then kept her and would not return her. Zhizhi wrote the poem "Lament for Green Pearl" and sent it to her; Biyu threw herself into a well and died. Chengshi found the poem in her sash, flew into a rage, and had harsh officials fabricate charges; Zhizhi's entire clan was executed.
24
司僕少卿來俊臣倚勢貪淫，士民妻妾有美者，百方取之； 或使人羅告其罪，矯稱敕以取其妻，前後羅織誅人，不可勝計。 自宰相以下，籍其姓名而取之。 自言才比石勒。 監察御史李昭德素惡俊臣，又嘗庭辱秋官侍郎皇甫文備，二人共誣昭德謀反，下獄。
Vice Director of the Palace Stud Lai Junchen abused his power with greed and lust; whenever an official or commoner had a beautiful wife or concubine, he seized her by every means; or he had men fabricate charges and falsely cite an edict to seize the wife; the men he framed and executed were beyond counting. From the chief ministers downward he kept a register of names and took what he wanted. He boasted that his talent matched that of Shi Le. Investigating Censor Li Zhaode had long hated Junchen and had once publicly humiliated Autumn Offices Vice Minister Huangfu Wenbei; the two jointly framed Zhaode for treason and had him imprisoned.
25
俊臣欲羅告武氏諸王及太平公主，又欲誣皇嗣及廬陵王與南北牙同反，冀因此盜國權，河東人衛遂忠告之。 諸武及太平公主恐懼，共發其罪，繫獄，有司處以極刑。 太后欲赦之，奏上三日，不出。 王及善曰：「俊臣凶狡貪暴，國之元惡，不去之，必動搖朝廷。」 太后游苑中，吉頊執轡，太后問以外事，對曰：「外人唯怪來俊臣奏不下。」 太后曰：「俊臣有功於國，朕方思之。」 頊曰：「於安遠告虺貞反，既而果反，今止為成州司馬。 俊臣聚結不逞，誣構良善，贓賄如山，冤魂塞路，國之賊也，何足惜哉！」 太后乃下其奏。
Junchen planned to frame the Wu princes and Princess Taiping, and also to implicate the Crown Prince and the Prince of Luling together with the northern and southern yamen guards in a single treason plot, hoping thereby to seize state power; Wei Sui of Hedong warned them in secret. The Wu princes and Princess Taiping were terrified; they jointly exposed his crimes; he was imprisoned and the authorities sentenced him to death. The Empress Dowager wished to pardon him; the memorial lay before her three days without a decision. Wang Jishan said, "Junchen is fierce, cunning, greedy, and violent—the state's chief villain; if he is not removed, the court itself will be shaken." While the Empress Dowager was touring the park, Ji Xu held the reins; she asked about affairs outside, and he replied, "People outside only wonder why the memorial on Lai Junchen has not been decided." The Empress Dowager said, "Junchen has served the state; I am still considering the matter." Ji Xu said, "Yu Anyuan reported Prince Huaizhen's rebellion, and Huaizhen did rebel as he said—yet now Yu holds nothing more than the post of Chengzhou Administrator. Junchen gathers criminals, frames the innocent, amasses bribes beyond counting, and fills the roads with the wrongfully dead—he is a traitor to the state. Why spare him!" The Empress Dowager then approved his memorial.
26
丁卯，昭德、俊臣同棄市，時人無不痛昭德而快俊臣。 仇家爭啖俊臣之肉，斯須而盡，抉眼剝面，披腹出心，騰蹋成泥。 太后知天下惡之，乃下制數其罪惡，且曰：「宜加赤族之誅，以雪蒼生之憤，可准法籍沒其家。」 士民皆相賀於路曰：「自今眠者背始帖席矣！」
On dingmao, Zhaode and Junchen were both executed in the marketplace; contemporaries mourned Zhaode and rejoiced at Junchen's fate. His enemies fought over Junchen's flesh until it was gone in moments; they gouged out his eyes, flayed his face, split open his belly and tore out his heart, trampling what remained into mud. Knowing how universally he was hated, the Empress Dowager issued an edict listing his crimes and declaring, "His entire clan should be exterminated to satisfy the people's wrath, and his property confiscated by law." Officials and commoners congratulated one another in the streets, saying, "From now on we can sleep with our backs flat on the mat!"
27
俊臣以告綦連耀功，賞奴婢十人。 俊臣閱司農婢，無可者，以西突厥可汗斛瑟羅家有細婢，善歌舞，欲得以為賞口，乃使人誣告斛瑟羅反。 諸酋長詣闕割耳剺面訟冤者數十人。 會俊臣誅，乃得免。
For reporting Qilian Yao's rebellion, Junchen was rewarded with ten female servants. Junchen inspected the Ministry of Revenue's female servants and found none to his liking; learning that Western Turkic Khaghan Ashina Qieluo had a slender maid skilled in song and dance, he wanted her as a reward and had men falsely accuse Qieluo of rebellion. Several dozen tribal chiefs came to court, mutilating their ears and faces to protest their innocence. When Junchen was executed, they were finally cleared.
28
俊臣方用事，選司受其屬請不次除官者，每銓數百人。 俊臣敗，侍郎皆自首。 太后責之，對曰：「臣負陛下，死罪！ 臣亂國家法，罪止一身； 違俊臣語，立見滅族。」 太后乃赦之。
While Junchen held power, the Selection Bureau processed hundreds of out-of-turn appointments at each session on his clients' requests. After Junchen fell, the vice ministers all confessed their misconduct. The Empress Dowager rebuked them; they replied, "We have failed Your Majesty—a capital offense! We violated state law, and that crime rests on us alone; but disobey Junchen's orders and one's entire clan would be wiped out at once." The Empress Dowager then pardoned them.
29
上林令侯敏素諂事俊臣，其妻董氏諫之曰：「俊臣國賊，指日將敗，君宜遠之。」 敏從之。 俊臣怒，出為武龍令。 敏欲不住，妻曰：「速去勿留！」 俊臣敗，其黨皆流嶺南，敏獨得免。
Superintendent of the Upper Park Hou Min had long fawned on Junchen; his wife Lady Dong warned him, "Junchen is a traitor to the state and will fall any day. You should keep your distance." Min took her advice. Junchen was furious and had him posted as magistrate of Wulong. Min hesitated to leave; his wife said, "Go at once—do not linger!" When Junchen fell, his followers were all exiled to Lingnan; Min alone escaped punishment.
30
太后征於安遠為尚食奉御，擢吉頊為右肅政中丞。
The Empress Dowager recalled Yu Anyuan as Food Service Attendant and promoted Ji Xu to Right Censor-in-Chief of the Righteous Governance Bureau.
31
以檢校夏官侍郎宗楚客同平章事。
Acting Summer Offices Vice Minister Zong Chuke was appointed Associate Counselor.
32
武懿宗軍至趙州，聞契丹將駱務整數千騎將至冀州，懿宗懼，欲南遁。 或曰：「虜無輜重，以抄掠為資，若按兵拒守，勢必離散，從而擊之，可有大功。」 懿宗不從，退據相州，委棄軍資器仗甚眾。 契丹遂屠趙州。
Wu Yizong's army reached Zhao Prefecture; when he heard that the Khitan general Luo Wuzheng was advancing with several thousand horsemen toward Ji Prefecture, Yizong panicked and wanted to flee south. Someone advised, "The enemy has no supply train and lives by raiding. Hold your ground and they will scatter—then strike, and you can win a great victory." Yizong refused; he withdrew to Xiang Prefecture, abandoning enormous quantities of military supplies and weapons. The Khitan then sacked and massacred Zhao Prefecture.
33
甲午，孫萬榮為奴所殺。
On jiawu, Sun Wanrong was killed by his own slave.
34
萬榮之破王孝傑也，於柳城西北四百里依險築城，留其老弱婦女、所獲器仗資財，使妹夫乙冤羽守之，引精兵寇幽州。 恐突厥默啜襲其後，遣五人至黑沙，語默啜曰：「我已破王孝傑百萬之人，唐人破膽，請與可汗乘勝共取幽州。」 三人先至，默啜喜，賜以緋袍。 二人後至，默啜怒其稽緩，將殺之，二人曰：「請一言而死。」 默啜問其故，二人以契丹之情告。 默啜乃殺前三人而賜二人緋，使為鄉導，發兵取契丹新城，殺所獲涼州都督許欽明以祭天； 圍新城三日，克之，盡俘以歸。 使乙冤羽馳報萬榮。
After defeating Wang Xiaojie, Wanrong built a fortified camp four hundred li northwest of Liucheng, leaving the elderly, women, captured weapons, and plunder in the care of his brother-in-law Yi Yuanyu while he led elite troops to raid You Prefecture. Fearing a rear attack from the Turks, he sent five envoys to Heisha to tell Mokuan, "I have already shattered Wang Xiaojie's army of a million men; the Tang are terrified. Join me in pressing the advantage to seize You Prefecture." Three arrived first; Mokuan was delighted and rewarded them with crimson robes. Two arrived later; Mokuan, angry at their delay, was about to execute them when they said, "Allow us one word before we die." Mokuan asked why; the two men revealed the Khitan's true situation. Mokuan then executed the first three envoys, rewarded the two with crimson robes, and used them as guides; he marched on the Khitan's New City and sacrificed the captured Liangzhou Protector-General Xu Qinming to Heaven; after a three-day siege he captured the city and took all its people captive. He sent Yi Yuanyu racing back to inform Wanrong.
35
時萬榮方與唐兵相持，軍中聞之，恟懼。 奚人叛萬榮，神兵道總管楊玄基擊其前，奚兵擊其後，獲其將何阿小。 萬榮軍大潰，帥輕騎數千東走。 前軍總管張九節遣兵邀之於道，萬榮窮蹙，與其奴逃至潞水東，息於林下，歎曰：「今欲歸唐，罪已大。 歸突厥亦死，歸新羅亦死。 將安之乎！」 奴斬其首以降，梟之四方館門。 其餘眾及奚、□皆降於突厥。
Wanrong was then locked in stalemate with Tang forces; when his army heard the news, it fell into panic. The Xi turned against Wanrong; Shenbing Circuit Commander Yang Xuanji attacked from the front while Xi forces struck from the rear, capturing his general He Axiao. Wanrong's army collapsed; he fled east with several thousand light cavalry. Forward Army Commander Zhang Jiujie sent troops to cut him off; hard pressed, Wanrong fled with his slave to the east bank of the Lu River and rested under the trees, sighing, "If I return to Tang now, my crimes are too great. Return to the Turks and I die; return to Silla and I die. Where can I go!" His slave cut off his head and surrendered; the head was displayed at the gate of the Hostel for Tributary Envoys. The remaining troops, together with the Xi and other tribes, all surrendered to the Turks.
36
戊子，特進武承嗣、春官尚書武三思並同鳳閣鸞台三品。
On wuzi, Wu Chengsi, specially advanced, and Spring Offices Minister Wu Sansi were both appointed Counselors of Third Rank at Fengge and Luantai.
37
辛卯，制以契丹初平，命河內王武懿宗、婁師德及魏州刺史狄仁傑分道安撫河北。 懿宗所至殘酷，民有為契丹所脅從復來歸者，懿宗皆以為反，生刳取其膽。 先是，何阿小嗜殺人，河北人為之語曰：「唯此兩何，殺人最多。」
On xinmao, an edict declared that with the Khitan rebellion newly suppressed, Prince of Henei Wu Yizong, Lou Shide, and Wei Prefecture Inspector Di Renjie were to pacify Hebei by separate routes. Wherever Yizong went he was brutal; commoners who had been forced to follow the Khitan and then returned home were all treated as rebels, live-gutted, and their gall extracted. Earlier, He Axiao was bloodthirsty; people in Hebei had a saying: "These two He—no one kills more than they do."
38
秋，七月，丁酉，昆明內附，置竇州。
In autumn, the seventh month, on dingyou, the Kunming people submitted, and Dou Prefecture was established.
39
武承嗣、武三思並罷政事。
Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi were both removed from office.
40
庚午，武攸宜自幽州凱旋。 武懿宗奏河北百姓從賊者請盡族之，左拾遺王求禮庭折之曰：「此屬素無武備，力不勝賊，苟從之以求生，豈有叛國之心！ 懿宗擁強兵數十萬，望風退走，賊徒滋蔓，又欲移罪於草野詿誤之人，為臣不忠，請先斬懿宗以謝河北！」 懿宗不能對。 司刑卿杜景儉亦奏：「此皆脅從之人，請悉原之。」 太后從之。
On gengwu, Wu Youyi returned in triumph from You Prefecture. Wu Yizong memorialized that all Hebei commoners who had followed the rebels should have their clans exterminated; Left Reminder Wang Qiuli rebutted him in open court, saying, "These people had no means of defense and could not resist the enemy; they followed only to survive. How could they have meant to betray the state! Yizong commanded an army of several hundred thousand yet fled at the first sign of the enemy, letting the rebels spread unchecked—and now he wants to shift the blame onto innocent rustics! That is disloyal service. I beg you execute Yizong first to appease Hebei!" Yizong had no answer. Minister of Punishments Du Jingjian also memorialized, "These are all people who were coerced into following the rebels. I ask that all be pardoned." The Empress Dowager agreed.
41
八月，丙戌，納言姚□坐事左遷益州長史，以太子宮尹豆盧欽望為文昌右相、鳳閣鸞台三品。
In the eighth month, on bingxu, Counselor of State Yao Yuanchong was demoted for an offense to chief administrator of Yizhou; Palace Superintendent of the Crown Prince Doulu Qinwang was appointed Left Vice Director of the Literary Flourishing Bureau and Counselor of Third Rank at Fengge and Luantai.
42
九月，壬辰，大享通天宮，赦天下，改元。
In the ninth month, on renchen, the court offered a great sacrifice at the Tongtian Palace, proclaimed a general amnesty, and changed the era name.
43
庚戌，婁師德守納言。
On gengxu, Lou Shide was appointed acting Counselor of State.
44
甲寅，太后謂侍臣曰：「頃者周興、來俊臣按獄，多連引朝臣，雲其謀反； 國有常法，朕安敢違！ 中間疑其不實，使近臣就獄引問，得其手狀，皆自承服，朕不以為疑。 自興、俊臣死，不復聞有反者，然則前死者不有冤邪？」 夏官侍郎姚元崇對曰：「自垂拱以來坐謀反死者，率皆興等羅織，自以為功。 陛下使近臣問之，近臣亦不自保，何敢動搖！ 所問者若有翻覆，懼遭慘毒，不若速死。 賴天啟聖心，興等伏誅，臣以百口為陛下保，自今內外之臣無復反者； 若微有實狀，臣請受知而不告之罪。」 太后悅曰：「向時宰相皆順成其事，陷朕為淫刑之主； 聞卿所言，深合朕心。」 賜元崇錢千緡。
On jiayin, the Empress Dowager said to her attendants, "Recently Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen investigated cases and implicated many court officials on charges of treason; the state has fixed laws—how could I dare violate them! When I doubted the truth of the charges, I sent close ministers to the prisons to question the accused; they obtained written confessions, and all acknowledged guilt—I had no reason to doubt. Since Xing and Junchen died, I have heard of no further rebels—then were not those executed before wrongly accused?" Summer Offices Vice Minister Yao Yuanchong replied, "Since the Chuigong era, nearly everyone executed for treason was framed by Xing and his ilk, who counted it as merit. When Your Majesty sent close ministers to question the prisoners, those ministers could not even protect themselves—how would they dare challenge the confessions! If the accused recanted, they feared cruel torture; a quick death was preferable. Heaven opened Your Majesty's eyes, and Xing and his accomplices were executed; I pledge the lives of my entire household that from now on no official, within or without the court, will plot rebellion again; and if there is even the slightest truth to such charges, I ask to be punished for knowing and failing to report." The Empress Dowager was pleased and said, "Formerly the chief ministers all went along with these prosecutions, making me a ruler of cruel punishments; what you say accords deeply with my own mind." She rewarded Yuanchong with one thousand strings of cash.
45
時人多為魏元忠訟冤者，太后復召為肅政中丞。 元忠前後坐棄市流竄者四。 嘗侍宴，太后問曰：「卿往者數負謗，何也？」 對曰：「臣猶鹿耳，羅織之徒欲得臣肉為羹，臣安所避之！」
Many people at the time pleaded Wei Yuanzhong's innocence; the Empress Dowager recalled him as Censor-in-Chief of the Righteous Governance Bureau. Yuanzhong had four times faced execution or exile. Once at a banquet the Empress Dowager asked, "You have been slandered so many times—why?" He replied, "I am like a deer—the framers want my flesh for broth. Where could I hide!"
46
冬，閏十月，甲寅，以幽州都督狄仁傑為鸞台侍郎，司刑卿杜景儉為鳳閣侍郎，並同平章事。
In winter, the intercalary tenth month, on jiayin, You Prefecture Governor Di Renjie was appointed Luantai Vice Minister and Minister of Punishments Du Jingjian was appointed Fengge Vice Minister, both as Associate Counselors.
47
仁傑上疏，以為：「天生四夷，皆在先王封略之外，故東拒滄海，西阻流沙，北橫大漠，南阻五嶺，此天所以限夷狄而隔中外也。 自典籍所紀，聲教所及，三代不能至者，國家盡兼之矣。 詩人矜薄伐於太原，美化行於江、漢，則三代之遠裔，皆國家之域中也。 若乃用武荒外，邀功絕域，竭府庫之實以爭不毛之地，得其人不足增賦，獲其土不可耕織，苟求冠帶遠夷之稱，不務固本安人之術，此秦皇、漢武之所行，非五帝、三王之事業也。 始皇窮兵極武，務求廣地，死者如麻，至天下潰叛。 漢武征伐四夷，百姓困窮，盜賊蜂起； 末年悔悟，息兵罷役，故能為天所祐。 近者國家頻歲出師，所費滋廣，西戍西鎮，東戍安東，調發日加，百姓虛弊。 今關東饑饉，蜀、漢逃亡，江、淮已南，徵求不息，人不復業，相率為盜，本根一搖，憂患不淺。 其所以然者，皆以爭蠻貊不毛之地，乖子養蒼生之道也。 昔漢元納賈捐之之謀而罷朱崖郡，宣帝用魏相之策而棄車師之田，豈不欲慕尚虛名，蓋憚勞人力也。 近貞觀年中克平九姓，立李思摩為可汗，使統諸部者，蓋以夷狄叛則伐之，降則撫之，得推亡固存之義，無遠戍勞人之役，此近日之令典，經邊之故事也。 竊謂宜立阿史那斛瑟羅為可汗，委之四鎮，繼高氏絕國，使守安東。 省軍費於遠方，並甲兵於塞上，使夷狄無侵侮之患則可矣，何必窮其窟穴，與螻蟻校長短哉！ 但當敕邊兵，謹守備，遠斥侯，聚資糧，待其自致，然後擊之。 以逸待勞則戰士力倍，以主御客則我得其便，堅壁清野則寇無所得； 自然賊深入則有顛躓之慮，淺入必無虜獲之益。 如此數年，可使二虜不擊而服矣。」 事雖不行，識者是之。
Renjie submitted a memorial arguing that Heaven created the four barbarian quarters all beyond the domains of the ancient kings: the east bounded by the sea, the west by shifting sands, the north by the great desert, and the south by the Five Ridges—this is how Heaven set the barbarians apart from the civilized world. By every measure recorded in the classics and every reach of civilization, territories the Three Dynasties never controlled have all been brought under the state's sway. When the poets praised the modest campaign at Taiyuan and civilization reached the Yangtze and Han, even the remotest lands known to the Three Dynasties lay within the state's domain. But to use force in distant wastelands, seek glory at the ends of the earth, and drain the treasury to seize barren ground—where the people add nothing to the tax rolls and the soil cannot be farmed or woven—is merely to win the empty praise of distant barbarians in caps and sashes, not to strengthen the foundation and settle the people. That is the way of the First Emperor of Qin and Emperor Wu of Han, not the enterprise of the sage kings. The First Emperor exhausted his armies in endless campaigns to expand his territory; the dead piled up like hemp until the realm collapsed in rebellion. Emperor Wu campaigned against the four quarters; the people were driven to destitution and bandits swarmed; only in his later years, when he repented and halted the wars, was he able to regain Heaven's favor. In recent years the state has sent armies out year after year at ever greater cost—garrisoning the Western Regions in the west and Andong in the east—while levies mount daily and the people are exhausted. Now famine grips the east, people flee from Shu and Han, and south of the Yangtze and Huai exactions never cease; people abandon their livelihoods and turn to banditry. Once the foundation is shaken, the troubles will be grave. The reason is that we are fighting over barren barbarian wastelands, contrary to the duty of nourishing the people. Formerly Emperor Yuan accepted Jia Juanzhi's advice and abolished Zhuya Commandery, and Emperor Xuan followed Wei Xiang's counsel and abandoned the Gaochang territories—not because they scorned glory, but because they feared wasting human labor. In the recent Zhenguan era, when the Nine Tribes were subdued, Li Simo was installed as khaghan to rule the tribes—because when barbarians rebel, strike them, and when they submit, soothe them. That upheld the principle of supporting the failing and preserving the enduring without distant garrisons that weary the people. This is the recent model and the established precedent for border governance. I respectfully propose that Ashina Qieluo be installed as khaghan, entrusted with the Four Garrisons, and set to guard Andong in succession to the extinct Gao kingdom. Save military expenses abroad, concentrate forces on the frontier, and ensure the barbarians pose no threat of invasion—that is enough. Why exhaust ourselves rooting out their lairs and contesting every inch of ground with them! Simply order the frontier troops to maintain strict defenses, post distant scouts, stock provisions, wait for the enemy to come to us, and then strike. Awaiting the weary with rested troops doubles our strength; fighting on our own ground gives us the advantage; fortifying walls and clearing the countryside leaves the enemy with nothing to seize; if they penetrate deeply they will fear being cut off; if they raid shallowly they will gain no worthwhile booty. In a few years the two barbarian powers can be made to submit without a fight." "Though the proposal was not adopted, those who understood the issue approved it.
48
鳳閣舍人李嶠知天官選事，始置員外官數千人。
Fengge Drafting Official Li Qiao oversaw Celestial Offices selections and for the first time created several thousand supernumerary officials.
49
先是歷官以是月為正月，以臘月為閏。 太后欲正月甲子朔冬至，乃下制以為：「去晦仍見月，有爽天經。 可以今月為閏月，來月為正月。」
Previously, the calendar officials had designated this month as the first month and the twelfth month as the intercalary month. The Empress Dowager wanted the new moon on jiazi, the first day of the first month, to fall on the winter solstice, and issued an edict declaring, "When the last day of the month still shows the moon, that violates the heavenly norm. Let this month be made intercalary, and the coming month be the first month."
50
正月，甲子朔，冬至，太后享通天宮； 赦天下，改元。
In the first month, on jiazi, the new moon and the winter solstice, the Empress Dowager sacrificed at the Tongtian Palace; She proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the reign title.
51
夏官侍郎宗楚客罷政事。
Summer Offices Vice Minister Zong Chuke was dismissed from the conduct of government.
52
春，二月，乙未，文昌右相、同鳳閣鸞台三品豆盧欽望罷為太子賓客。
In spring, the second month, on yiwei, Wenchang Right Chancellor and Associate Third-Rank Counselor of Tongfengge and Luantai Dou Lu Qinwang was removed from office and appointed Grand Mentor to the Crown Prince.
53
武承嗣、三思營求為太子，數使人說太后曰：「自古天子未有以異姓為嗣者。」 太后意未決。 狄仁傑每從容言於太后曰：「文皇帝櫛風沐雨，親冒鋒鏑，以定天下，傳之子孫。 太帝以二子托陛下。 陛下今乃欲移之他族，無乃非天意乎！ 且姑侄之與母子孰親？ 陛下立子，則千秋萬歲後，配食太廟，承繼無窮； 立侄，則未聞侄為天子而祔姑於廟者也。」 太后曰：「此朕家事，卿勿預知。」 仁傑曰：「王者為四海為家，四海之內，孰非臣妾，何者不為陛下家事！ 君為元首，臣為股肱，義同一體，況臣備位宰相，豈得不預知乎！」 又勸太后召還廬陵王。 王方慶、王及善亦勸之。 太后意稍寤。 他日，又謂仁傑曰：「朕夢大鸚鵡兩翅皆折，何也？」 對曰：「武者，陛下之姓，兩翼，二子也。 陛下起二子，則兩翼振矣。」 太后由是無立承嗣、三思之意。
Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi maneuvered to become crown prince and repeatedly sent men to tell the Empress Dowager, "Since antiquity no emperor has ever named someone of another surname as his successor." The Empress Dowager had not yet made up her mind. Di Renjie would calmly say to the Empress Dowager, "Emperor Wen braved wind and rain, faced sword and arrow in person, settled the realm, and passed it to his descendants. Emperor Gaozong entrusted his two sons to Your Majesty. Your Majesty now wishes to shift the succession to another house—is that not against Heaven's intent! And between aunt and nephew, and mother and son—which tie is closer? If Your Majesty establishes a son as heir, then after a thousand years you will share offerings in the Grand Ancestral Temple and the line will continue without end; If you establish a nephew, one never hears of a nephew who becomes emperor enshrining his aunt in the ancestral temple." The Empress Dowager said, "This is my family's affair. Do not meddle." Renjie said, "The ruler takes all within the Four Seas as his home. Who under Heaven is not your subject? What affair is not Your Majesty's family business! The ruler is the head and ministers the arms and legs—we are one body in principle. And as I hold the chancellorship, how can I not be told!" He also urged the Empress Dowager to recall the Prince of Luling. Wang Fangqing and Wang Jishan urged the same. The Empress Dowager's mind began to turn. Another day she said to Renjie, "I dreamed of a great parrot with both wings broken. What does it mean?" He replied, "Wu is Your Majesty's surname. The two wings are your two sons. If Your Majesty restores your two sons, both wings will spread again." From that point the Empress Dowager abandoned any plan to make Chengsi or Sansi crown prince.
54
孫萬榮之圍幽州也，移檄朝廷曰：「何不歸我廬陵王？」 吉頊與張易之、昌宗皆為控鶴監供奉，易之兄弟親狎之。 頊從容說二人曰：「公兄弟貴寵如此，非以德業取之也，天下側目切齒多矣。 不有大功於天下，何以自全？ 竊為公憂之！」 二人懼，涕泣問計。 頊曰：「天下士庶未忘唐德，鹹復思廬陵王。 主上春秋高，大業須有所付； 武氏諸王非所屬意。 公何不從容勸主上立廬陵王以系蒼生之望！ 如此，豈徒免禍，亦可以長保富貴矣。」 二人以為然，承間屢為太后言之。 太后知謀出於頊，乃召問之，頊復為太后具陳利害，太后意乃定。
When Sun Wanrong besieged You Prefecture, he sent a proclamation to the court asking, "Why not restore the Prince of Luling to us?" Ji Xu, Zhang Yizhi, and Zhang Changzong all served as attendants in the Crane-Control Office, and the Zhang brothers were on intimate terms with him. Xu calmly told the two brothers, "You enjoy such rank and favor, yet not because of virtue or achievement. Many under Heaven watch you with hatred and clenched teeth. Without great service to the realm, how will you save yourselves? I worry for you in private!" The two were frightened and, weeping, asked what they should do. Xu said, "Gentry and commoners under Heaven have not forgotten Tang's grace. All again look to the Prince of Luling. Our lord's years are advanced, and the great enterprise must be entrusted to someone; the princes of the Wu clan are not those in whom her heart rests. Why not calmly urge our lord to establish the Prince of Luling and bind the people's hopes! If you do this, you will not merely escape disaster—you can long preserve your wealth and rank." The two agreed, and whenever they found an opening they repeatedly urged this on the Empress Dowager. When the Empress Dowager learned the plan came from Xu, she summoned and questioned him. Xu again laid out the advantages and risks in full, and her mind was made up.
55
三月，己巳，託言廬陵王有疾，遣職方員外郎瑕丘徐彥伯召廬陵王及其妃、諸子詣行在療疾。 戊子，廬陵王至神都。
In the third month, on jisi, claiming that the Prince of Luling was ill, she sent Bureau of Personnel External Official Xu Yanbo of Xiuqiu to summon the Prince of Luling, his consort, and his sons to the imperial residence for medical care. On wuzi, the Prince of Luling arrived at Shendu.
56
夏，四月，庚寅朔，太后祀太廟。
In summer, the fourth month, on the gengyin new moon, the Empress Dowager offered sacrifice at the Grand Ancestral Temple.
57
辛丑，以婁師德充隴右諸軍大使，仍檢校營田事。
On xinchou, Lou Shide was appointed Commissioner over the armies of Longyou, while continuing to oversee garrison-agriculture affairs.
58
六月，甲午，命淮陽王武延秀下突厥，納默啜女為妃； 豹韜衛大將軍閻知微攝春官尚書，右武衛郎將楊齊莊攝司賓卿，繼金帛巨億以送之。 延秀，承嗣之子也。
In the sixth month, on jiawu, Prince Wu Yanxiu of Huaiyang was ordered to go to the Turks and take Mokuan's daughter as his bride; Leopard-Bow Guard General Yan Zhiwei served as acting Minister of Spring Offices, Right Martial Guard Commandant Yang Qizhuang as acting Director of Ceremonial Reception, and they followed with enormous gifts of gold and silk to escort him. Yanxiu was Wu Chengsi's son.
59
鳳閣舍人襄陽張柬之諫曰：「自古未有中國親王娶夷狄女者。」 由是忤旨，出為合州刺史。
Fengge Reminder Zhang Jianzhi of Xiangyang remonstrated, "Since antiquity no Chinese imperial prince has ever taken a barbarian woman as his bride." On this account he offended the throne and was sent out as prefect of He.
60
秋，七月，鳳閣侍郎、同平章事杜景儉罷為秋官尚書。
In autumn, the seventh month, Fengge Vice Minister and Associate Counselor Du Jingjian was dismissed and appointed Minister of Autumn Offices.
61
八月，戊子，武延秀至黑沙南庭。 突厥默啜謂閻知微等曰：「我欲以女嫁李氏，安用武氏兒邪！ 此豈天子之子乎！ 我突厥世受李氏恩，聞李氏盡滅，唯兩兒在，我今將兵輔立之。」 乃拘延秀於別所，以知微為南面可汗，言欲使之主唐民也。 遂發兵襲靜難、平狄、清夷等軍，靜難軍使慕容玄崱以兵五千降之。 虜勢大振，進寇媯、檀等州。 前從閻知微入突厥者，默啜皆賜之五品、三品之服，太后悉奪之。
In the eighth month, on wuzi, Wu Yanxiu reached the southern court at Heisha. The Turk Mokuan said to Yan Zhiwei and the others, "I meant to marry my daughter into the Li clan. What use have I for a Wu-clan boy! Is this even a son of the Son of Heaven! Our Turks have received the Li clan's grace for generations. Hearing that the Li have been nearly wiped out and only two sons remain, I now lead troops to aid and establish one." He then detained Yanxiu elsewhere and made Zhiwei Southern Qaghan, saying he meant to have him rule the Tang people. He then sent troops against the Jingnan, Pingdi, and Qingyi armies, and Jingnan Army Commissioner Murong Xuanko surrendered with five thousand men. The barbarians' strength greatly swelled, and they pressed forward to raid Gui, Tan, and other prefectures. Those who had earlier followed Yan Zhiwei into the Turks had all been given fifth- and third-rank robes by Mokuan; the Empress Dowager stripped them of those honors.
62
默啜移書數朝廷曰：「與我蒸谷種，種之不生，一也。 金銀器皆行濫，非真物，二也。 我與使者緋紫皆奪之，三也。 繒帛皆疏惡，四也。 我可汗女當嫁天子兒，武氏小姓，門戶不敵，罔冒為昏，五也。 我為此起兵，欲取河北耳。」
Mokuan sent a letter listing grievances against the court: "You gave me steamed grain seed that would not sprout when planted—that is the first. Your gold and silver vessels were all shoddy, not genuine—that is the second. The scarlet and purple robes you gave me and my envoys were all taken back—that is the third. Your silks and cloth were all coarse and inferior—that is the fourth. My qaghan's daughter should marry a son of the Son of Heaven. The Wu are a petty clan, their house unequal to ours—you passed off a false marriage. That is the fifth. For these reasons I have raised troops. I mean to take Hebei, nothing more."
63
監察御史裴懷古從閻知微入突厥，默啜欲官之，不受。 囚，將殺之，逃歸； 抵晉陽，形容羸瘁。 突騎噪聚，以為間諜，欲取其首以求功。 有果毅嘗為人所枉，懷古按直之，大呼曰：「裴御史也！」 救之，得全。 至都，引見，遷祠部員外郎。
Supervising Censor Pei Huaigu had accompanied Yan Zhiwei into the Turks. Mokuan wished to give him office, but he refused. Imprisoned and about to be executed, he escaped and fled home; When he reached Jinyang, he was wasted and haggard in appearance. Light cavalry gathered in uproar, took him for a spy, and wanted his head to claim merit. A guoyi officer who had once been wronged—Huaigu had investigated and cleared him—shouted, "It is Censor Pei!" They rescued him, and he was spared. When he reached the capital he was granted audience and promoted to External Official in the Bureau of Ancestral Rites.
64
時諸州聞突厥入寇，方秋，爭發民修城。 衛州刺史太平敬暉謂僚屬曰：「吾聞金湯非粟不守，奈何捨收穫而事城郭乎？ 悉罷之，使歸田，百姓大悅。
At that time, when the prefectures heard the Turks had invaded, it being autumn they all rushed to levy people to repair city walls. Weizhou Prefect Jinghui of Taiping said to his staff, "I have heard that ramparts of bronze cannot be held without grain. Why abandon the harvest to work on walls and cities? He stopped it all and sent the people back to the fields. The commoners were greatly pleased.
65
甲午，鸞台侍郎、同平章事王方慶罷為麟台監。
On jiawu, Luantai Vice Minister and Associate Counselor Wang Fangqing was dismissed and appointed Director of the Lin Platform.
66
太子太保魏宣王武承嗣，恨不得為太子，意怏怏，戊戌，病薨。
Grand Mentor to the Crown Prince and Prince Wu Chengsi of Weixuan, bitter that he had not become crown prince and sullen in spirit, on wuxu died of illness.
67
庚子，以春官尚書武三思檢校內史，狄仁傑兼納言。
On gengzi, Spring Offices Minister Wu Sansi was appointed Acting Internal Secretary, and Di Renjie concurrently served as Admonishing Censor.
68
太后命宰相各舉尚書郎一人，仁傑舉其子司府丞光嗣，拜地官員外郎，已而稱職。 太后喜曰：「卿足繼祁奚矣！」
The Empress Dowager ordered each chancellor to recommend one bureau director. Renjie recommended his son, Bureau of Revenue Assistant Director Guangsi, who was appointed External Official of Earth Offices and later proved equal to the post. The Empress Dowager said with pleasure, "You are fully the equal of Qi Xi!"
69
通事舍人河南元行沖，博學多通，仁傑重之。 行沖數規諫仁傑，且曰：「凡為家者必有儲蓄脯醢以適口，參術以攻疾。 僕竊計明公之門，珍味多矣，行沖請備藥物之末。」 仁傑笑曰：「吾藥籠中物，何可一日無也！」 行沖名澹，以字行。
Imperial Dispatch Attendant Yuan Xingchong of Henan was deeply learned and widely accomplished, and Renjie held him in high regard. Xingchong repeatedly admonished Renjie, saying, "Every household keeps stored meats and sauces for the palate, and ginseng and atractylodes to treat illness. I reckon that at your lordship's gate delicacies abound. Let Xingchong supply the humble medicine." Renjie smiled and said, "You are an ingredient in my medicine chest. How could I do without you for even a day!" Xingchong's given name was Tan; he was known by his style name.
70
以司屬卿武重規為天兵中道大總管，右武衛將軍沙吒忠義為天兵西道總管，幽州都督下邽張仁願為天兵東道總管，將兵三十萬以討突厥默啜； 又以左羽林衛大將軍閻敬容為天兵西道後軍總管，將兵十五萬為後援。
Director of Household Affairs Wu Chonggui was made Grand Commander of the Center Route of the Heavenly Army; Right Martial Guard General Shazha Zhongyi was made Western Route Commander; You Prefecture Commissioner Zhang Renyuan of Xiapi was made Eastern Route Commander. They led three hundred thousand troops to campaign against the Turk Mokuan; Left Forest of Feathers Guard General Yan Jingrong was also made Rear-Guard Commander of the Western Route of the Heavenly Army, leading one hundred fifty thousand troops as reinforcements.
71
癸丑，默啜寇飛狐，乙卯，陷定州，殺刺史孫彥高及吏民數千人。
On guichou, Mokuan raided Feihu. On yimao he captured Ding Prefecture and killed Prefect Sun Yangao along with several thousand officials and commoners.
72
九月，甲子，以夏官尚書武攸寧同鳳閣鸞台三品。
In the ninth month, on jiazi, Summer Offices Minister Wu Youning was appointed Associate Third-Rank Counselor of Tongfengge and Luantai.
73
改突厥默啜為斬啜。
Mokuan the Turk was renamed Zhan Chuo—a hostile pun replacing "silent" with "behead."
74
默啜使閻知微招諭趙州，知微與虜連手蹋《萬歲樂》於城下。 將軍陳令英在城上謂曰：「尚書位任非輕，乃為虜蹋歌，獨無慚乎！ 知微微吟曰：「不得已，《萬歲樂》。」
Mokuan had Yan Zhiwei summon and persuade Zhao Prefecture. Zhiwei joined hands with the barbarians and danced "Long Live the Emperor" below the walls. General Chen Lingying on the wall said to him, "Minister, your office is no light charge—yet you dance songs for the barbarians. Do you feel no shame! Zhiwei hummed under his breath, "No choice—'Long Live the Emperor.'
75
戊辰，默啜圍趙州，長史唐般若翻城應之。 刺史高睿與妻秦氏仰藥詐死，虜輿之詣默啜，默啜以金師子帶、紫袍示之曰：「降則拜官，不降則死！」 睿顧其妻，妻曰：「酬報國恩，正在今日！」 遂俱閉目不言。 經再宿，虜知不可屈，乃殺之。 虜退，唐般若族誅； 贈睿冬官尚書，謚曰節。 睿，熲之孫也。
On wuchen, Mokuan besieged Zhao Prefecture. Chief Secretary Tang Banruo turned the city over to him in treason. Prefect Gao Rui and his wife Lady Qin took poison and feigned death. The barbarians carried them in litters to Mokuan, who showed them a gold lion belt and purple robe and said, "Surrender and receive office. Refuse and die!" Rui looked at his wife. She said, "To repay the state's grace—today is the day!" Then both closed their eyes and would not speak. After two nights the barbarians knew they could not be broken and killed them. When the barbarians withdrew, Tang Banruo and his entire clan were executed; Rui was posthumously honored as Minister of the Winter Offices, with the posthumous name Jie. Rui was the grandson of Gao Yong.
76
皇嗣固請遜位於廬陵王，太后許之。 壬申，立廬陵王哲為皇太子，復名顯。 赦天下。
The Heir Apparent firmly asked to abdicate in favor of the Prince of Luling, and the Empress Dowager agreed. On renshen, Prince of Luling Zhe was named crown prince and his original name Xian was restored. A general amnesty was declared throughout the realm.
77
甲戌，命太子為河北道元帥以討突厥。 先是，募人月餘不滿千人，及聞太子為帥，應募者雲集，未幾，數盈五萬。
On jiaxu, the crown prince was appointed grand marshal of the Hebei Circuit to campaign against the Turks. Earlier, more than a month of recruiting had yielded fewer than a thousand men; once word spread that the crown prince would lead the army, volunteers poured in, and before long the ranks swelled past fifty thousand.
78
戊寅，以狄仁傑為河北道行軍副元帥，右丞宋玄爽為長史，右台中丞崔獻為司馬，左台中丞吉頊為監軍使。 時太子不行，命仁傑知元帥事，太后親送之。
On wuyin, Di Renjie was appointed deputy grand marshal of the Hebei campaign; Right Assistant Song Xuanshuang became chief administrator; Right Censorate Vice Censor Cui Xian became army secretary; and Left Censorate Vice Censor Ji Xu became army inspector. The crown prince did not take the field; Renjie was ordered to act in the grand marshal's stead, and the Empress Dowager personally escorted him to the army.
79
藍田令薛訥，仁貴之子也，太后擢為左威衛將軍、安東道經略。 將行，言於太后曰：「太子雖立，外議猶疑未定； 苟此命不易，丑虜不足平也。」 太后深然之。 王及善請太子赴外朝以慰人心，從之。 以天官侍郎蘇味道為鳳閣侍郎、同平章事。 味道前後在相位數歲，依阿取容，嘗謂人曰：「處事不宜明白，但摸稜持兩端可矣。」 時人謂之「蘇摸稜」。
Lantian Magistrate Xue Ne, a son of Xue Ren'gui, was promoted by the Empress Dowager to General of the Left Weiwu Guard and military commissioner of the Andong Circuit. Before setting out, he told the Empress Dowager, "Although the crown prince has been named, public opinion still doubts that the succession is settled; if this decision is not made firm, the barbarians will scarcely be worth defeating." The Empress Dowager strongly agreed. Wang Jishan asked that the crown prince appear at outer court to reassure the people, and the request was granted. Celestial Offices Vice Minister Su Weidao was appointed Fengge Vice Minister and Associate Counselor. Weidao had held the chancellorship for several years, fawning to win favor; he once told people, "In handling affairs one should not be too clear—it is enough to stay ambiguous and keep to both sides." People of the time called him "Ambiguous Su."
80
癸未，突厥默啜盡殺所掠趙、定等州男女萬餘人，自五回道去，所過，殺掠不可勝紀。 沙吒忠義等但引兵躡之，不敢逼。 狄仁傑將兵十萬追之，無所及。 默啜還漠北，擁兵四十萬，據地萬里，西北諸夷皆附之，甚有輕中國之心。
On guiwei, the Turk Mokuan slaughtered more than ten thousand men and women seized from Zhao, Ding, and other prefectures, then withdrew by the Wuhui Road; everywhere he passed, killing and plunder were beyond reckoning. Shazha Zhongyi and the others only trailed him with their troops, not daring to close in. Di Renjie pursued with one hundred thousand troops but could not catch him. Mokuan returned to the northern steppe with four hundred thousand troops and a domain ten thousand li across; the northwestern tribes all rallied to him, and he grew deeply contemptuous of China.
81
冬，十月，制：都下屯兵，命河內王武懿宗、九江王武攸歸領之。
In winter, the tenth month, an edict placed the capital garrison under Prince Wu Yizong of Henei and Prince Wu Yougui of Jiujiang.
82
癸卯，以狄仁傑為河北道安撫大使。 時河北人為突厥所驅逼者，虜退，懼誅，往往亡匿。 仁傑上疏，以為：「朝廷議者皆罪契丹、突厥所脅從之人，言其跡雖不同，心則無別。 誠以山東近緣軍機調發傷重，家道悉破，或至逃亡。 重以官典侵漁，因事而起，枷杖之下，痛切肌膚，事迫情危，不循禮義。 愁苦之地，不樂其生，有利則歸，且圖賒死，此乃君子之愧辱，小人之常行也。 又，諸城入偽，或待天兵，將士求功，皆雲攻得，臣憂濫賞，亦恐非辜。 以經與賊同，是為惡地，至有污辱妻子，劫掠貨財，兵士信知不仁，簪笏未能以免，乃是賊平之後，為惡更深。 且賊務招攜，秋毫不犯，今之歸正，即是平人，翻被破傷，豈不悲痛！ 夫人猶水也，壅之則為泉，疏之則為川，通塞隨流，豈有常性！ 今負罪之伍，必不在家，露宿草行，潛竄山澤，赦之則出，不赦則狂，山東群盜，緣茲聚結。 臣以邊塵暫起，不足為憂，中土不安，此為大事。 罪之則眾情恐懼，恕之則反側自安。 伏願曲赦河北諸州，一無所問。」 制從之。 仁傑於是撫慰百姓，得突厥所驅掠者，悉遞還本貫。 散糧運以賑貧乏，修郵驛以濟旋師。 恐諸將及使者妄求供頓，乃自食蔬糲，禁其下無得侵擾百姓，犯者必斬。 河北遂安。
On guimao, Di Renjie was appointed pacification commissioner of the Hebei Circuit. At that time many people in Hebei who had been driven and coerced by the Turks, once the invaders withdrew, feared punishment and went into hiding. Renjie submitted a memorial arguing, "Those debating at court would punish everyone coerced into following the Khitan and Turks, saying that though their outward acts differ, their hearts are all the same. In truth, the lands east of the mountains have lately been crushed by military levies and requisitions; households have been ruined, and many have fled. On top of this, officials preyed on the people and seized every chance to extort them; under cangue and rod the pain cut to the bone, affairs pressed and desperation mounted, and people abandoned ritual and righteousness. In lands of grief and bitterness men take no joy in living; where there is profit they submit, and they even seek to defer death—this is a gentleman's shame, but a common man's everyday conduct. Moreover, when cities submitted to the rebels or awaited the imperial army, soldiers eager for merit all claimed to have stormed them; I fear indiscriminate rewards, and I fear the innocent will suffer as well. Because troops passed through places where rebels had been, those regions were treated as tainted ground; soldiers violated wives, plundered goods, and knew full well this was inhumane—yet even officials in caps and tablets could not escape it; thus after the rebels were suppressed, the evil only grew worse. Moreover, the rebels worked to win people over and did not violate even a hair; those who now return to loyalty are ordinary people, yet they are harmed in turn—how can this not be heartbreaking! People are like water: dam them and they become springs; open a channel and they become rivers; whether blocked or free follows the flow—how could they have a fixed nature! Now those burdened with guilt surely are not at home; they sleep in the open, travel through the wild, and hide in mountains and marshes—if pardoned they will emerge, if not they will run wild; bandits east of the mountains will gather on this account. I hold that a brief flare of trouble on the frontier is not worth worry; unrest in the heartland—this is the great matter. If they are punished, the people will be terrified; if they are forgiven, the wavering will settle of themselves. I humbly ask that all the prefectures of Hebei be specially pardoned, with no questions asked." An edict approved the request. Renjie thereupon comforted the people and sent everyone seized and driven off by the Turks back to their native districts. He distributed grain to relieve the poor and repaired postal stations to aid the returning army. Fearing that generals and envoys would recklessly demand provisions and lodging, he himself ate coarse fare, forbade his subordinates to harass the people, and ordered that violators be beheaded. Hebei was thereby pacified.
83
以夏官侍郎姚元崇、秘書少監李嶠並同平章事。
Summer Offices Vice Minister Yao Yuanchong and Secretariat Vice Director Li Jiao were both appointed Associate Counselors.
84
突厥默啜離趙州，乃縱閻知微使還。 太后命磔於天津橋南，使百官共射之，既乃冎其肉，剉其骨，夷其三族，疏親有先未相識而同死者。
When the Turk Mokuan withdrew from Zhao Prefecture, he released Yan Zhiwei to return. The Empress Dowager ordered him dismembered south of the Tianjin Bridge, had all the officials shoot him together, then minced his flesh and ground his bones, exterminated his three clans, and among distant and close kin there were some who had never even known one another yet died together.
85
褒公段瓚，志玄之子也，先沒於突厥。 突厥在趙州，瓚邀楊齊莊與之俱逃，齊莊畏怯，不敢發。 瓚先歸，太后賞之。 齊莊尋至，敕河內王武懿宗鞫之； 懿宗以為齊莊意懷猶豫，遂與閻知微同誅。 既射之如□胃，氣□□未死，乃決其腹，割心，投於地，猶趌□然躍不止。
Duke of Bao Duan Zan, a son of Duan Zhixuan, had earlier died among the Turks. When the Turks were at Zhao Prefecture, Zan invited Yang Qizhuang to flee with him, but Qizhuang, fearful and timid, did not dare set out. Zan returned first, and the Empress Dowager rewarded him. Qizhuang soon arrived; the Empress Dowager ordered Prince Wu Yizong of Henei to interrogate him; Yizong judged that Qizhuang's intent was still wavering, and he was therefore executed together with Yan Zhiwei. Once they had shot him until he bristled like a hedgehog, his breath still heaving though not yet dead, they cut open his belly, removed his heart, and cast it to the ground; it still bounced and leaped without stopping.
86
擢田歸道為夏官侍郎，甚見親委。
Tian Guidao was promoted to Summer Offices Vice Minister and was greatly trusted and entrusted.
87
蜀州每歲遣兵五百人戍姚州，路險遠，死亡者多。 蜀州刺史張柬之上言，以為：「姚州本哀牢之國，荒外絕域，山高水深。 國家開以為州，未嘗得其鹽布之稅，甲兵之用，而空竭府庫，驅率平人，受役蠻夷，肝腦塗地，臣竊為國家惜之。 請廢姚州以隸巂州，歲時朝覲，同之蕃國。 瀘南諸鎮亦皆廢省，於瀘北置關，百姓非奉使，無得交通往來。」 疏奏，不納。
Each year Shu Prefecture sent five hundred troops to garrison Yao Prefecture; the road was perilous and distant, and many died along the way. Shu Prefecture Inspector Zhang Jianzhi submitted a memorial arguing, "Yao Prefecture was originally the state of Ailao, a remote land beyond the frontier, with mountains high and waters deep. The state opened it as a prefecture yet never gained its salt and cloth taxes or useful military strength, while emptying the treasury, driving ordinary people, and making them serve under the barbarians until their lives were wasted—I grieve for the state on this account. I ask that Yao Prefecture be abolished and placed under Xi Prefecture, with seasonal audiences treated the same as foreign tributary states. The garrisons south of Lu should also be abolished, a pass should be set north of Lu, and common people, unless on official mission, should not be allowed to travel back and forth." The memorial was submitted but not accepted.
88
正月，丁卯朔，告朔於通天宮。
In the first month, on dingmao, the new moon, the new moon was announced at the Tongtian Palace.
89
壬戌，以皇嗣為相王，領太子右衛率。
On renxu, the Heir Apparent was made Prince of Xiang and appointed commander of the Crown Prince's Right Guard.
90
甲子，置控鶴臨丞、主簿等官，率皆嬖寵之人，頗用才能文學之士以參之。 以司衛卿張易之為控鶴監，銀青光祿大夫張昌宗、左台中丞吉頊、殿中監田歸道、夏官侍郎李迥秀、鳳閣舍人薛稷、正諫大夫臨汾員半千皆為控鶴監內供奉。 稷，元超之從子也。 半千以古無此官，且所聚多輕薄之士，上疏請罷之； 由是忤旨，左遷水部郎中。
On jiazi, the offices of Crane-Control Adjutant Director, Registrar, and the like were established; the commanders were mostly favored intimates, though men of talent and literary accomplishment were also brought in to assist them. Palace Guards Director Zhang Yizhi was made Commissioner of Crane-Control; Silver-Gleaming Grand Master of Glorious Blessings Zhang Changzong, Left Censorate Vice Censor Ji Xu, Palace Reception Director Tian Guidao, Summer Offices Vice Minister Li Huixiu, Fengge Attendant Xue Ji, and Remonstrance Grand Master Yuan Banqian of Linfen were all made Inner Attendants of the Crane-Control Commission. Ji was a nephew of Xue Yuanchao. Banqian, because antiquity had no such office and because those gathered were mostly frivolous men, submitted a memorial asking that it be abolished; thereby offending the imperial will, he was demoted to Director of the Water Bureau.
91
臘月，戊子，以左台中丞吉頊為天官侍郎，右台中丞魏元忠為鳳閣侍郎，並同平章事。
In the twelfth month, on wuzi, Left Censorate Vice Censor Ji Xu was appointed Celestial Offices Vice Minister, and Right Censorate Vice Censor Wei Yuanzhong was appointed Fengge Vice Minister; both became Associate Counselors.
92
文昌左丞宗楚客與弟司農卿晉卿，坐贓賄滿萬餘緡級第捨過度，楚客貶播州司馬，晉卿流峰州。 太平公主觀其第，歎曰：「見其居處，吾輩乃虛生耳！」
Wenchang Left Vice Director Zong Chuke and his younger brother Minister of Agriculture Jin Qing, because their bribes exceeded ten thousand strings and their mansions were excessively lavish, were punished—Chuke was demoted to army secretary of Bozhou, and Jin Qing was exiled to Feng Prefecture. Princess Taiping viewed their mansion and sighed, saying, "Seeing how they lived, we have lived our lives in vain!"
93
辛亥，賜太子姓武氏； 赦天下。
On xinhai, the crown prince was granted the surname Wu; and a general amnesty was declared throughout the realm.
94
太后生重眉，成八字，百官皆賀。
The Empress Dowager grew heavy eyebrows shaped like the character for eight; all the officials offered congratulations.
95
河南、北置武騎團以備突厥。
Wu Cavalry Corps were established south and north of the Yellow River to guard against the Turks.
96
春，一月，庚申，夏官尚書、同鳳閣鸞台三品武攸寧罷為冬官尚書。
In spring, the first month, on gengshen, Summer Offices Minister and Associate Third-Rank Counselor of Tongfengge and Luantai Wu Youning was removed from office and appointed Minister of the Winter Offices.
97
二月，己丑，太后幸嵩山，過緱氏，謁升仙太子廟。 壬辰，太后不豫，遣給事中欒城閻朝隱禱少室山。 朝隱自為犧牲，沐浴伏俎上，請代太后命。 太后疾小愈，厚賞之。 丁酉，自緱氏還。
In the second month, on jichou, the Empress Dowager visited Mount Song, passed through Gou, and paid homage at the Temple of the Ascended Immortal Prince. On renchen, the Empress Dowager fell ill and sent Supervising Censor Yan Chaoyin of Luancheng to pray at Mount Shaoshi. Chaoyin made himself the sacrificial victim, bathed, and lay prostrate on the altar block, asking to take the Empress Dowager's life in his place. When the Empress Dowager's illness eased, she richly rewarded him. On dingyou, she returned from Gou.
98
初，吐蕃贊普器弩悉弄尚幼，論欽陵兄弟用事，皆有勇略，諸胡畏之。 欽陵居中秉政，諸弟握兵分據方面，贊婆常居東邊，為中國患者三十餘年。 器弩悉弄浸長，陰與大臣論巖謀誅之。 會欽陵出外，贊普詐雲出畋，集兵執欽陵親黨二千餘人，殺之，遣使召欽陵兄弟，欽陵等舉兵不受命。 贊普將兵討之，欽陵兵潰，自殺。 夏，四月，贊婆帥所部千餘人來降，太后命右武衛鎧曹參軍郭元振與河源軍大使夫蒙令卿將騎迎之，以贊婆為特進、歸德王。 欽陵子弓仁，以所統吐谷渾七千帳來降，拜左玉鈐衛將軍、酒泉郡公。
Earlier, the Tibetan qaghan Qinu Sannong was still young; Lun Qinling and his brothers held power, all were brave and resourceful, and the various barbarian peoples feared them. Qinling held the center and governed; his younger brothers held troops and divided control over the regions; Zanpo often resided on the eastern frontier and had been a scourge to China for more than thirty years. Qinu Sannong gradually matured and secretly plotted with the minister Lun Yan to execute them. When Qinling happened to be away, the qaghan feigned going out to hunt, gathered troops, seized more than two thousand of Qinling's close partisans, and killed them; he sent envoys to summon Qinling and his brothers, but Qinling and the others raised troops and refused the command. The qaghan led troops to suppress them; Qinling's army collapsed, and he killed himself. In summer, the fourth month, Zanpo led more than a thousand men of his command in surrender; the Empress Dowager ordered Right Wuwei Guard Armor Bureau Adjutant Guo Yuanzhen and Heyuan Army Commissioner Fumeng Lingqing to lead cavalry to welcome them, and made Zanpo Grand Mentor and Prince of Guide. Qinling's son Gongren came to surrender with seven thousand households of Tuyuhun under his command; he was appointed General of the Left Yuling Guard and Duke of Jiuquan Commandery.
99
壬辰，以魏元忠檢校并州長史，充天兵軍大總管，以備突厥。 婁師德為天兵軍副大總管，仍充隴右諸軍大使，專掌懷撫吐蕃降者。
On renchen, Wei Yuanzhong was appointed acting chief administrator of Bing Prefecture and grand commander of the Tianbing Army to guard against the Turks. Lou Shide was made deputy grand commander of the Tianbing Army and continued as commissioner of the armies of Longyou, specially charged with winning over and comforting Tibetan surrenderers.
100
太后春秋高，慮身後太子與諸武不相容。 壬寅，命太子、相王、太平公主與武攸暨等為誓文，告天地於明堂，銘之鐵券，藏於史館。
The Empress Dowager was advanced in years; she feared that after her death the crown prince and the Wu clan would not coexist in peace. On renyin, she ordered the crown prince, the Prince of Xiang, Princess Taiping, and Wu Youji and the others to draw up a covenant, announce it to Heaven and Earth in the Bright Hall, inscribe it on an iron covenant, and store it in the Historiography Office.
101
秋，七月，命建安王武攸宜留守西京，代會稽王武攸望。
In autumn, the seventh month, Prince Wu Youyi of Jian'an was ordered to remain and guard the Western Capital, replacing Prince Wu Youwang of Kuaiji.
102
丙辰，吐谷渾部落一千四百帳內附。
On bingchen, one thousand four hundred households of the Tuyuhun tribes submitted to the court.
103
八月，癸丑，突騎施烏質勒遣其子遮弩入見。 遣侍御史元城解琬安撫烏質勒及十姓部落。
In the eighth month, on guichou, Wuzhile of the Turgesh sent his son Zhenu to enter audience. Supervising Censor Jiewan of Yuancheng was sent to pacify Wuzhile and the Ten Surnames tribes.
104
制：「州縣長吏，非奏有敕旨，毋得擅立碑。」
An edict declared: "Prefectural and county chief administrators, unless a memorial has received an imperial edict, must not erect steles on their own authority."
105
內史王及善雖無學術，然清正難奪，有大臣之節。 張易之兄弟每侍內宴，無復人臣禮； 及善屢奏以為不可。 太后不悅，謂及善曰：「卿既高年，不宜更侍游宴，但檢校閣中可也。」 及善因稱病，謁假月餘； 太后不問。 及善歎曰：「豈有中書令而天子可一日不見乎？ 事可知矣！」 乃上疏乞骸骨，太后不許。 庚子，以及善為文昌左相，太子宮尹豆盧欽望為文昌右相，仍並同鳳閣鸞台三品。 鸞台侍郎、同平章事楊再思罷為左台大夫。 丁未，相王兼檢校安北大都護。 以天官侍郎陸元方為鸞台侍郎、同平章事。
Inner Secretary Wang Jishan, though without scholarly learning, was upright and incorruptible and hard to sway, possessing a great minister's integrity. Whenever the brothers Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong attended inner banquets, they no longer observed the rites due a subject; Jishan repeatedly memorialized that this was impermissible. The Empress Dowager was displeased and told Jishan, "Since you are advanced in years, you should no longer attend tours and banquets; it is enough to inspect affairs within the pavilion." Jishan thereupon pleaded illness and requested leave for more than a month; The Empress Dowager made no inquiry. Jishan sighed and said, "How can there be a Chief Secretary of the Secretariat when the Son of Heaven may go a whole day without seeing him? The situation speaks for itself!" He thereupon submitted a memorial requesting retirement; the Empress Dowager refused. On gengzi, Jishan was appointed Left Vice Director of the Literary Flourishing Bureau and Doulu Qinwang, Palace Superintendent of the Crown Prince, was appointed Right Vice Director of the Literary Flourishing Bureau; both were also made Counselors of Third Rank at Fengge and Luantai. Luantai Vice Minister and Associate Counselor Yang Zaisi was dismissed and made Senior Censor of the Left Censorate. On dingwei, the Prince of Xiang was additionally appointed Acting Grand Protector of the Pacified North. Celestial Offices Vice Minister Lu Yuanfang was appointed Luantai Vice Minister and Associate Counselor.
106
納言、隴右諸軍大使婁師德薨。
Counselor of State and Grand Ambassador of the Longyou Armies Lou Shide died.
107
師德在河隴，前後四十餘年，恭勤不怠，民夷安之。 性沉厚寬恕，狄仁傑之入相也，師德實薦之； 而仁傑不知，意頗輕師德，數擠之於外。 太后覺之，嘗問仁傑曰：「師德賢乎？」 對曰：「為將能謹守邊陲，賢則臣不知。」 又曰：「師德知人乎？」 對曰：「臣嘗同僚，未聞其知人也。」 太后曰：「朕之知卿，乃師德所薦也，亦可謂知人矣。」 仁傑既出，歎曰：「婁公盛德，我為其所包容久矣，吾不得窺其際也。」 是時羅織紛紜，師德久為將相，獨能以功名終，人以是重之。
Shide served in Hexi and Longyou for more than forty years in all, diligent and untiring; both Chinese and barbarians lived in peace under him. By nature he was deep, generous, and forgiving; when Di Renjie entered the chancellorship, Shide had in fact recommended him; but Renjie did not know this and tended to look down on Shide, repeatedly pushing him out to border posts. The Empress Dowager noticed this and once asked Renjie, "Is Shide a worthy man?" He replied, "As a general he can diligently guard the frontier; as to worthiness, your subject does not know." She also asked, "Does Shide know how to judge men?" He replied, "Your subject was once his colleague and never heard that he knew how to judge men." The Empress Dowager said, "My knowing you came through Shide's recommendation; that may be called knowing men." After Renjie left, he sighed and said, "Lord Lou's great virtue—I have long been encompassed by it, yet I could not glimpse its depths." At that time accusations and entrapment were rampant; Shide had long served as general and minister, yet alone ended with his reputation intact—people therefore respected him.
108
戊申，以武三思為內史。
On wushen, Wu Sansi was appointed Internal Secretary.
109
九月，乙亥，太后幸福昌； 戊寅，還神都。
In the ninth month, on yihai, the Empress Dowager traveled to Xingchang; On wuyin, she returned to the Divine Capital.
110
庚子，邢貞公王及善薨。
On gengzi, Wang Jishan, Duke of Xingzhen, died.
111
河溢，漂濟源百姓廬舍千餘家。
The Yellow River overflowed, sweeping away the dwellings of more than a thousand households in Jiyuan.
112
冬，十月，丁亥，論贊婆至都，太后寵待賞賜甚厚，以為右衛大將軍，使將其眾守洪源谷。
In winter, the tenth month, on dinghai, Lun Zanpo reached the capital; the Empress Dowager favored, treated, and rewarded him very generously, appointing him General of the Right Guard and ordering him to lead his troops to guard Hongyuan Valley.
113
太子、相王諸子復出閣。
The crown prince's sons and the Prince of Xiang's sons were again released from confinement.
114
太后自稱制以來，多以武氏諸王及駙馬都尉為成均祭酒，博士、助教亦多非儒士。 又因郊丘，明堂，拜洛，封嵩，取弘文國子生為齋郎，因得選補。 由是學生不複習業，二十年間，學校殆廢，而向時酷吏所誣陷者，其親友流離，未獲原宥。 鳳閣舍人韋嗣立上疏，以為：「時俗侵輕儒學，先王之道，弛廢不講。 宜令王公以下子弟，皆入國學，不聽以它岐仕進。 又，自揚、豫以來，制獄漸繁，酷吏乘間，專欲殺人以求進。 賴陛下聖明，周、丘、王、來相繼誅殛，朝野慶泰，若再睹陽和。 至如仁傑、元忠，往遭按鞫，亦皆自誣，非陛下明察，則已為菹醢矣； 今陛下升而用之，皆為良輔。 何乃前非而後是哉？ 誠由枉陷與甄明耳。 臣恐向之負冤得罪者甚眾，亦皆如是。 伏望陛下弘天地之仁，廣雷雨之施，自垂拱以來，罪無輕重，一皆昭洗，死者追復官爵，生者聽還鄉里。 如此，則天下皆知昔之枉濫，非陛下之意，皆獄吏之辜，幽明歡欣，感通和氣。」 太后不能從。
Since the Empress Dowager had assumed personal rule, she had often made princes of the Wu clan and imperial sons-in-law chancellors of the Directorate of Education; doctors and assistants too were mostly not Confucian scholars. Moreover, on the occasions of suburban sacrifice, the Bright Hall, the Luo River rite, and the Mount Song feng, students of the Hongwen Academy and Directorate of Education were taken as fast-officers and thereby gained selection and appointment. Because of this students no longer pursued their studies; within twenty years the schools were nearly abandoned, while those falsely implicated by the cruel officials of earlier times and their kinsmen and friends remained scattered in exile, not yet pardoned. Fengge Attendant Wei Sili submitted a memorial, stating, "The times slight and encroach upon Confucian learning; the Way of the former kings lies neglected and is no longer taught. It is fitting to order the sons and younger brothers of dukes and princes downward all to enter the Directorate of Education, and not permit them to advance in office by other paths. Moreover, since the Yang and Yu cases, regulated prisons have gradually multiplied; cruel officials seize the opportunity, intent solely on killing people to seek advancement. Thanks to Your Majesty's sagacity, Zhou Xing, Qiu Shenji, Wang Hongwu, and Lai Junchen were executed one after another; court and countryside rejoiced in peace, as if beholding the warm sun again. As for Renjie and Yuanzhong, they too in the past suffered interrogation and all falsely confessed; had it not been for Your Majesty's clear discernment, they would already have been minced meat; now Your Majesty has promoted and employed them, and both are fine assistants. Why then were they wrong before and right afterward? Truly it is because of wrongful entrapment and clear discernment. Your subject fears that those who suffered wrongful conviction in the past are very numerous, and all are like this. I humbly hope Your Majesty will extend the benevolence of Heaven and earth and broaden the shower of thunder and rain: since the Chuigong era, crimes great and small alike should all be openly cleared; for the dead, offices and ranks should be posthumously restored, and for the living, permission should be granted to return to their home districts. If this is done, then all under Heaven will know that the wrongful excesses of the past were not Your Majesty's intent but the guilt of the prison officers; the living and the dead will rejoice, and harmonious qi will be moved and joined." The Empress Dowager could not agree.
115
嗣立，承慶之異母弟也。 母王氏，遇承慶甚酷，每杖承慶，嗣立必解衣請代； 母不許，輒私自杖，母乃為之漸寬。 承慶為鳳閣舍人，以疾去職。 嗣立時為萊蕪令，太后召謂曰：「卿父嘗言：『臣有兩兒，堪事陛下。』 卿兄弟在官，誠如父言。 朕今以卿代兄，更不用它人。」 即日拜鳳閣舍人。
Sili was Chengqing's younger brother by a different mother. Their mother, Lady Wang, treated Chengqing very harshly; whenever she beat Chengqing, Sili would always remove his clothes and ask to take his place; the mother would not consent, so he would beat himself privately; the mother thereupon gradually grew milder. Chengqing served as Fengge Attendant and left office on account of illness. Sili was then magistrate of Laiwu; the Empress Dowager summoned him and said, "Your father once said, 'I have two sons capable of serving Your Majesty. You brothers in office have indeed lived up to your father's words. I now appoint you in your brother's place and will employ no one else." That same day he was appointed Fengge Attendant.
116
是歲，突厥默啜立其弟咄悉匐為左廂察，骨篤祿子默矩為右廂察，各主兵二萬餘人； 其子匐俱為小可汗，位在兩察上，主處木昆等十姓，兵四萬餘人，又號為拓西可汗。
That year, the Turk Mokuan installed his younger brother Tuxibo as Left Flank Commander and Moju, son of Gutulu, as Right Flank Commander; each commanded more than twenty thousand troops; his son Fuju was made Lesser Qaghan, ranking above the two commanders, governing the Chumukun and other Ten Surnames with more than forty thousand troops; he was also styled Qaghan of Tuoxi.
117
正月，戊寅，內史武三思罷為特進、太子少保。 天官侍郎、平章事吉頊貶安固尉。
In the first month, on wuyin, Internal Secretary Wu Sansi was removed and made Specially Advanced and Junior Tutor of the Crown Prince. Celestial Offices Vice Minister and Associate Counselor Ji Xu was demoted to sheriff of Angu.
118
太后以頊有干略，故委以腹心。 頊與武懿宗爭趙州之功於太后前。 頊魁岸辯口，懿宗短小傴僂，頊視懿宗，聲氣凌厲。 太后由是不悅，曰：「頊在朕前，猶卑我諸武，況異時詎可倚邪！」 他日，頊奏事，方援古引今，太后怒曰：「卿所言，朕飫聞之，無多言！ 太宗有馬名師子驄，肥逸無能調馭者。 朕為宮女侍側，言於太宗曰：『妾能制之，然須三物，一鐵鞭，二鐵□，三匕首。 鐵鞭擊之不服，則以□□其首，又不服，則以匕首斷其喉。』 太宗壯朕之志。 今日卿豈足污朕匕首邪！」 頊惶懼流汗，拜伏求生，乃止。 諸武怨其附太子，共發其弟冒官事，由是坐貶。
The Empress Dowager, because Xu had ability and strategy, therefore entrusted him as a confidant. Xu disputed with Wu Yizong over credit for Zhao Prefecture before the Empress Dowager. Xu was tall and eloquent; Yizong was short and hunchbacked; Xu looked down at Yizong, his voice and bearing overbearing. The Empress Dowager was therefore displeased and said, "Before me Xu still belittles my Wu clan; how much less could one rely on him in other times!" Another day, as Xu was reporting business and citing antiquity to apply it to the present, the Empress Dowager angrily said, "I've heard enough of that—say no more! Emperor Taizong had a horse named Lion-Chestnut; it was fat and spirited, and no one could tame and drive it. I, as a palace woman attending at his side, said to Emperor Taizong, 'I can master it, but I need three things: an iron whip, an iron hammer, and a dagger. If the iron whip strikes it and it does not submit, then hammer its head; if it still does not submit, then use the dagger to cut its throat.' Emperor Taizong admired my resolve. Do you think you are worth soiling my dagger today!" Xu, fearful and sweating, bowed prostrate begging for his life, and she stopped. The Wu clan resented that he sided with the crown prince; together they exposed his younger brother's offense of holding office by fraud, and he was therefore demoted.
119
辭日，得召見，涕泣言曰：「臣今遠離闕庭，永無再見之期，願陳一言。」 太后命之坐，問之，頊曰：「合水土為泥，有爭乎？」 太后曰：「無之。」 又曰：「分半為佛，半為天尊，有爭乎？」 曰：「有爭矣。」 頊頓首曰：「宗室、外戚各當其分，則天下安。 今太子已立而外戚猶為王，此陛下驅之使他日必爭，兩不得安也。」 太后曰：「朕亦知之。 然業已如是，不可何如。」
On the day of his departure he was granted audience; weeping, he said, "Your subject now departs far from the court and shall never again have a day to see you; I wish to speak one word." The Empress Dowager ordered him to sit and questioned him; Xu said, "When earth and water are mixed into mud, is there contention?" The Empress Dowager said, "There is not." He also said, "When half is made Buddha and half the Heavenly Lord, is there contention?" She said, "There is contention." Xu bowed his head and said, "The imperial clan and the maternal kin should each keep to their proper place, then all under Heaven will be secure. The crown prince has already been established, yet the maternal kin still hold princely rank—this is Your Majesty driving them so that they must contend someday; neither side can be secure." The Empress Dowager said, "I know this too. Yet matters have already come to this; nothing can be done."
120
臘月，辛巳，立故太孫重潤為邵王，其弟重茂為北海王。
In the twelfth month, on xinsi, the former Grand Heir Chongrun was enfeoffed as Prince of Shao, and his younger brother Chongmao as Prince of Beihai.
121
太后問鸞台侍郎、同平章事陸元方以外事，對曰：「臣備位宰相，有大事不敢不以聞； 人間細事，不足煩聖聽。」 由是忤旨。 庚寅，罷為司禮卿。
The Empress Dowager asked Luantai Vice Minister and Associate Counselor Lu Yuanfang about outside affairs; he replied, "Your subject holds the post of chancellor; on great matters I dare not fail to report them; petty affairs among the people are not worth troubling Your Majesty's ears." Thereby he offended her intent. On gengyin, he was removed and made Minister of Rites.
122
元方為人清謹，再為宰相，太后每有遷除，多訪之，元方密封以進，未嘗漏露。 臨終，悉取奏稿焚之，曰：「吾於人多陰德，子孫其未衰乎！」
Yuanfang was by nature pure and careful; twice serving as chancellor, whenever the Empress Dowager had appointments and removals she often consulted him; Yuanfang sealed his recommendations and submitted them, never leaking them. At his death he took all his memorial drafts and burned them, saying, "I have done much hidden good for many people; may my descendants not yet decline!"
123
以西突厥竭忠事主可汗斛瑟羅為平西軍大總管，鎮碎葉。
Husi Luo, qaghan of the Western Turks who exhaustively served his lord with loyalty, was made Grand Commander of the Pacified West Army and stationed at Suiye.
124
丁酉，以狄仁傑為內史。
On dingyou, Di Renjie was made Internal Secretary.
125
庚子，以文昌左丞書巨源為納言。
On gengzi, Left Vice Director of the Literary Flourishing Bureau Shu Juyuan was made Counselor of State.
126
乙巳，太后幸嵩山； 春，一月，丁卯，幸汝州之溫湯； 戊寅，還神都。 作三陽宮於告成之石淙。
On yisi, the Empress Dowager visited Mount Song; In spring, the first month, on dingmao, she visited the hot springs of Ruzhou; On wuyin, she returned to the Divine Capital. The Three Yangs Palace was built at Shicong in Gaocheng.
127
二月，乙未，同鳳閣鸞台三品豆盧欽望罷為太子賓客。
In the second month, on yiwei, Counselor of Third Rank at Fengge and Luantai Doulu Qinwang was removed and made Guest of the Crown Prince.
128
三月，以吐谷渾青海王宣超為烏地也拔勤忠可汗。
In the third month, Xuan Chao, King of Qinghai of the Tuyuhun, was made Qaghan of Wudiye Baleqinzhong.
129
夏，四月，戊申，太后幸三陽宮避暑，有胡僧邀車駕觀葬捨利，太后許之。 狄仁傑跪於馬前曰：「佛者戎狄之神，不足以屈天下之主。 彼胡僧詭譎，直欲邀致萬乘，以惑遠近之人耳。 山路險狹，不容侍衛，非萬乘所宜臨也。」 太后中道而還，曰：「以成吾直臣之氣。」
In summer, the fourth month, on wushen, the Empress Dowager visited the Three Yangs Palace to escape the heat; a barbarian monk invited the imperial carriage to view the burial of relics, and the Empress Dowager consented. Di Renjie knelt before the horse and said, "The Buddha is the god of the barbarians and is not fit to make the lord of all under Heaven bow. That barbarian monk is deceitful and cunning; he simply wishes to lure the Son of Heaven to delude people near and far. The mountain road is narrow and perilous and cannot accommodate guards; it is not fitting for the Son of Heaven to go there." The Empress Dowager turned back midway and said, "Thus to give full scope to the mettle of my upright minister."
130
五月，己酉朔，日有食之。
In the fifth month, on jiyou, the new moon, there was a solar eclipse.
131
太后使洪州僧胡超合長生藥，三年而成，所費巨萬。 太后服之，疾小瘳。 癸丑，赦天下，改元久視； 去天冊金輪大聖之號。
The Empress Dowager had the Hongzhou monk Hu Chao compound an elixir of long life; after three years it was finished, at a cost of tens of thousands. The Empress Dowager took it, and her illness eased somewhat. On guichou, the court proclaimed a general amnesty and changed the era name to Jiushi; the titles Tianche, Jinlun, and Dasheng were dropped.
132
六月，改控鶴為奉宸府，以張易之為奉宸令。 太后每內殿曲宴，輒引諸武、易之及弟秘書監昌宗飲博嘲謔。 太后欲掩其跡，乃命易之、昌宗與文學之士李嶠等修《三教珠英》於內殿。 武三思奏昌宗乃王子晉後身。 太后命昌宗衣羽衣，吹笙，乘木鶴於庭中； 文士皆賦詩以美之。 太后又多選美少年為奉宸內供奉，右補闕朱敬則諫曰：「陛下內寵有易之、昌宗，足矣。 近聞左監門衛長史侯祥等，明自媒衒，丑慢不恥，求為奉宸內供奉，無禮無儀，溢於朝聽。 臣職在諫諍，不敢不奏。」 太后勞之曰：「非卿直言，朕不知此。」 賜彩百段。
In the sixth month, the Crane-Control Office was renamed the Palace Attendance Bureau, and Zhang Yizhi was made its director. Whenever the Empress Dowager held informal banquets in the inner palace, she would summon the Wu princes, Yizhi, and his younger brother Secretariat Director Changzong to drink, gamble, and jest. The Empress Dowager wished to conceal these affairs and therefore ordered Yizhi, Changzong, and the literary scholar Li Qiao and others to compile "Pearls of the Three Teachings" in the inner palace. Wu Sansi memorialized that Changzong was the reincarnation of Prince Zijin. The Empress Dowager had Changzong dress in feather robes, play the sheng, and ride a wooden crane in the courtyard; the literary gentlemen all composed poems in praise of him. The Empress Dowager also selected many handsome youths as inner attendants of the Palace Attendance Bureau; Right Remonstrator Zhu Jingze remonstrated, saying, "Your Majesty already has Yizhi and Changzong as inner favorites—that is enough. Recently I have heard that Left Gate Guard Chief Clerk Hou Xiang and others openly peddle themselves, shameless in their vulgarity and insolence, seeking appointment as inner attendants of the Palace Attendance Bureau—without ritual or decorum, to the scandal of the whole court. Your servant's duty is remonstrance; I dare not fail to report this." The Empress Dowager thanked him, saying, "Had you not spoken plainly, I would not have known this." She granted him one hundred lengths of colored silk.
133
易之、昌宗競以豪侈相勝。 弟昌儀為洛陽令，請屬無不從。 嘗早朝，有選人姓薛，以金五十兩並狀邀其馬而賂之。 昌儀受金，至朝堂，以狀授天官侍郎張錫。 數日，錫失其狀，以問昌儀，昌儀罵曰：「不了事人！ 我亦不記，但姓薛者即與之。」 錫懼，退，索在銓姓薛者六十餘人，悉留注官。 錫，文瓘之兄之子也。
Yizhi and Changzong vied with each other in extravagance. Their younger brother Changyi was prefect of Luoyang; no request he made on another's behalf was refused. Once at the early audience, a candidate surnamed Xue offered fifty liang of gold together with his petition, intercepting Changyi's horse to bribe him. Changyi accepted the gold and, upon reaching the court hall, handed the petition to Celestial Offices Vice Minister Zhang Xi. Several days later Xi lost the petition and asked Changyi about it; Changyi cursed him, saying, "Useless man! I do not remember either—just give the appointment to whoever is surnamed Xue." Xi was afraid; he withdrew and found more than sixty men surnamed Xue on the rolls, and registered appointments for them all. Xi was a nephew of Zhang Wenjin.
134
初，契丹將李楷固，善用絲□索及騎射、舞槊，每陷陳，如鶻入烏群，所向披靡。 黃獐之戰，張玄遇、麻仁節皆為所絲□。 又有駱務整者，亦為契丹將，屢敗唐兵。 及孫萬榮死，二人來降。 有司責其後至，奏請族之。 狄仁傑曰：「楷固等並驍勇絕倫，能盡力於所事，必能盡力於我。 若撫之以德，皆為我用矣。」 奏請赦之。 所親皆止之，仁傑曰：「苟利於國，豈為身謀！」 太后用其言，赦之。 又請與之官，太后以楷固為左玉鈐衛將軍，務整為右武威衛將軍，使將兵擊契丹餘黨，悉平之。」」
Earlier, the Khitan general Li Kaigu was skilled with silk ropes, mounted archery, and spear-dancing; whenever he charged the formation it was like a hawk diving into a flock of crows—wherever he turned, none could stand before him. At the battle of Huangzhang, Zhang Xuanyu and Ma Renjie were both caught by his ropes. There was also Luo Wuzheng, likewise a Khitan general, who repeatedly defeated Tang forces. When Sun Wanrong died, the two came to surrender. The responsible offices blamed them for arriving late and memorialized that their clans be executed to the last. Di Renjie said, "Kaigu and the others are peerless in valor; they gave their full strength to those they served and will surely give their full strength to us. If we treat them with kindness, all will serve our use." He memorialized asking that they be pardoned. Those close to him all tried to stop him; Renjie said, "If it benefits the state, how can I scheme for myself!" The Empress Dowager followed his advice and pardoned them. He also asked that they be given offices; the Empress Dowager appointed Kaigu Left Jade Tally Guard General and Wuzheng Right Martial Might Guard General, and had them lead troops against the remaining Khitan partisans, pacifying them all.””