| | 馮奉世傳: |
馮奉世字子明，上黨潞人也，徙杜陵。其先馮亭，為韓上黨守。奏攻上黨，絕太行道，韓不能守，馮亭乃入上黨城守於趙。趙封馮亭為華陽君，與趙將括距秦，戰死於長平。宗族繇是分散，或留潞，或在趙。在趙者為官帥將，官帥將子為代相。及秦滅六國，而馮亭之後馮毋擇、馮去疾、馮劫皆為秦將相焉。 |
| | Feng Fengshi, courtesy name Ziming, was a native of Lu, Shangdang; he later moved to Duliu. His ancestor Feng Ting served as the governor of Shangdang for the State of Han. The forces attacked Shangdang and cut off the Taihang Road, making it impossible for Han to hold its position. Feng Ting then entered the city of Shangdang and surrendered it to Zhao. Zhao enfeoffed Feng Ting as Huayang Jun, who joined Zhao's general Kuai to resist the Qin forces. He died in battle at Changping. From then on, his clan dispersed; some remained in Lu, while others settled in Zhao. Those who stayed in Zhao became military commanders, and the son of one such commander became the prime minister of Dai. When the Qin dynasty destroyed the six states, descendants of Feng Ting—Feng Wuzhe, Feng Quji, and Feng Jie—all became generals or ministers under the Qin.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
漢興，文帝時馮唐顯名，即代相子也。至武帝末，奉世以良家子選為郎。昭帝時，以功次補武安長。失官，年三十餘矣，乃學春秋涉大義，讀兵法明習，前將軍韓增奏以為軍司空令。本始中，從軍擊匈奴。軍罷，復為郎。 |
| | When the Han dynasty rose to power, Feng Tang gained prominence during the reign of Emperor Wen; he was the son of the prime minister of Dai. By the end of Emperor Wu's reign, Feng Fengshi was selected as an officer from a distinguished family and became a Lang official. During the reign of Emperor Zhao, he was appointed as the magistrat of Wu'an due to his meritorious service. After losing his official post, and already in his early thirties, he began studying the Spring and Autumn Annals to understand its major principles. He also studied military strategies thoroughly. General Han Zeng of the Former General's Office recommended him as commander of the Jun Sikong Ling. In the middle of the Ben Shi era, he joined the army to campaign against the Xiongnu. After the military expedition ended, he was again appointed as a Lang official.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
先是時，漢數出使西域，多辱命不稱，或貪汙，為外國所苦。是時烏孫大有擊匈奴之功，而西域諸國新輯，漢方善遇，欲以安之，選可使外國者。前將軍增舉奉世以衛候使持節送大宛諸國客。至伊脩城，都尉宋將言莎車與旁國共攻殺漢所置莎車王萬年，并殺漢使者奚充國。時匈奴又發兵攻車師城，不能下而去。莎車遣使揚言北道諸國已屬匈奴矣，於是攻劫南道，與歃盟畔漢，從鄯善以西皆絕不通。都護鄭吉、校尉司馬意皆在北道諸國間。奉世與其副嚴昌計，以為不亟擊之則莎車日彊，其勢難制，必危西域。遂以節諭告諸國王，因發其兵，南北道合萬五千人進擊莎車，攻拔其城。莎車王自殺，傳其首詣長安。諸國悉平，威振西域。奉世乃罷兵以聞。宣帝召見韓增，曰：「賀將軍所舉得其人。」奉世遂西至大宛。大宛聞其斬莎車王，敬之異於它使。得其名馬象龍而還。上甚說，下議封奉世。丞相、將軍皆曰：「春秋之義，大夫出疆，有可以安國家，則顓之可也。奉世功效尤著，宜加爵土之賞。」少府蕭望之獨以奉世奉使有指，而擅矯制違命，發諸國兵，雖有功效，不可以為後法。即封奉世，開後奉使者利，以奉世為比，爭逐發兵，要功萬里之外，為國家生事於夷狄。漸不可長，奉世不宜受封。上善望之議，以奉世為光祿大夫、水衡都尉。 |
| | At that time, Han envoys sent to the Western Regions often failed in their missions and were considered inadequate; some were corrupt and caused suffering among foreign peoples. At that time, the Wusun had rendered great service in attacking the Xiongnu, and various states of the Western Regions were newly pacified. The Han court was treating them kindly to ensure stability and wished to select someone suitable for a diplomatic mission abroad. General Han Zeng recommended Feng Fengshi as Wei Hou, an envoy carrying the imperial scepter to escort envoys from Dawan and other Western Regions states. When they arrived at Yixiu City, the Duwei Song Jiang reported that Shache and neighboring states had jointly attacked and killed Wan Nian, the Han-appointed king of Shache, as well as the Han envoy Xi Chongguo. At that time, the Xiongnu also sent troops to attack the city of Cheshi but failed to capture it and withdrew. Shache sent envoys to publicly declare that the states along the northern route had already submitted to the Xiongnu. Consequently, they launched attacks and robberies along the southern route, formed alliances with rebels against Han rule, and all communication from Shan'gan westward was cut off. The Protector General Zheng Ji and the Commandant Sima Yi were both stationed among the states along the northern route. Feng Fengshi and his deputy Yan Chang deliberated, believing that if they did not strike quickly, Shache would grow stronger day by day. Its growing power would become difficult to control and would certainly endanger the Western Regions. They therefore used the imperial scepter to issue orders to the kings of various states, mobilizing their troops. Combined forces from both the northern and southern routes totaled 15,000 men who advanced against Shache and captured its city. The king of Shache committed suicide; his head was sent to Chang'an for presentation. All the states were pacified, and Han authority was restored with great prestige in the Western Regions. Feng Fengshi then disbanded his troops and reported the situation to the imperial court. Emperor Xuan summoned Han Zeng for an audience and said, "Congratulations to General Han on recommending such a capable man." Feng Fengshi then proceeded westward to Dawan. The people of Dawan, having heard about his beheading of the king of Shache, treated him with greater respect than they did other envoys. He obtained a famous horse named Xianglong and returned. The emperor was very pleased and summoned the court to discuss bestowing a title upon Feng Fengshi. The prime minister and generals all said, "According to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, when a high-ranking official leaves the state's borders, if there is an opportunity to ensure national stability, he may act independently." "Feng Fengshi's achievements and contributions are especially remarkable; it is appropriate to bestow upon him a noble title and land as a reward." Shao Fu Xiao Wangzhi alone argued that Feng Fengshi had been sent on a specific mission, yet he acted 擅自 ly and violated orders by mobilizing troops from various states without authorization. Although his actions yielded results, they could not be used as a precedent for the future. If Feng Fengshi were to be enfeoffed, it would set a precedent for future envoys, who might follow his example and compete to raise troops on their own initiative, seeking military achievements thousands of miles away, thereby creating unnecessary troubles with the foreign tribes for the state. This trend could not be allowed to develop; therefore, Feng Fengshi should not receive a title. The emperor approved Xiao Wangzhi's opinion and appointed Feng Fengshi as Guanglu Daifu and Shuiheng Duwei.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
元帝即位，為執金吾。上郡屬國歸義降胡萬餘人反去。初，昭帝末，西河屬國胡伊酋若王亦將眾數千人畔，奉世輒持節將兵追擊。右將軍典屬國常惠薨，奉世代為右將軍典屬國，加諸吏之號。數歲，為光祿勳。 |
| | When Emperor Yuan ascended the throne, he was made Zhijinwu. More than ten thousand surrendered Xiongnu from Guiyi, a dependent territory of Shang Jun, rebelled and fled. Initially, at the end of Emperor Zhao's reign, thousands of surrendered Xiongnu under King Yichou Ruowang from the dependent territory of Xi He also rebelled. Feng Fengshi immediately took up his imperial scepter and led troops to pursue and attack them. After the Right General and Director of Dependent Territories Chang Hui died, Feng Fengshi succeeded him as Right General and Director of Dependant Territories, with the additional title of Zhuli. After several years, he became Guanglu Xun.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
永光二年秋，隴西羌彡姐旁種反，詔召丞相韋玄成、御史大夫鄭弘、大司馬車騎將軍王接、左將軍許嘉、右將軍奉世入議。是歲時比不登，京師穀石二百餘，邊郡四百，關東五百。四方饑饉，朝廷方以為憂，而遭羌變。玄成等漠然莫有對者。奉世曰：「羌虜近在竟內背畔，不以時誅，亡以威制遠蠻。臣願帥師討之。」上問用兵之數，對曰：「臣聞善用兵者，役不再興，糧不三載，故師不久暴而天誅亟決。往者數不料敵，而師至於折傷；再三發軵，則曠日煩費，威武虧矣。今反虜無慮三萬人，法當倍用六萬人。然羌戎弓矛之兵耳，器不犀利，可用四萬人，一月足以決。」丞相、御史、兩將軍皆以為民方收斂時，未可多發；萬人屯守之，且足。奉世曰：「 |
| | In the autumn of Yongguang 2, the Qiang leader Shanjie Pangzhong in Longxi rebelled. The emperor summoned Chancellor Wei Xucheng, Grand Censor Zheng Hong, Grand Marshal and General-in-Chief Wang Jie, Left General Xu Jia, and Right General Feng Fengshi to discuss the matter. In that year, harvests were poor; in the capital, grain cost over 200 wén per dan. In border regions it was 400 wén, and east of the Guan Pass it reached 500 wén. Famine prevailed throughout the land, and the court was already deeply concerned about this when they were further confronted with a Qiang rebellion. Wei Xucheng and others remained silent, offering no response. Feng Fengshi said, "The Qiang rebels are nearby within our borders and have recently rebelled. If we do not punish them in a timely manner, we will lose the authority to control distant tribes." "I request permission to lead an expeditionary force to subdue them." The emperor asked about the number of troops needed, and he replied, "I have heard that a skilled general does not raise his forces more than once, nor transport provisions more than twice. Thus, the army is not kept in prolonged hardship, and divine punishment is swiftly executed. "In previous campaigns, we failed to properly assess our enemies, which led to heavy losses for the army; "Repeated mobilizations would waste time and resources, and weaken our military prestige. "Now the rebel forces number about 30,000; according to strategy, we should deploy twice that number, or 60,000 troops. "However, the Qiang rebels only have bows and spears; their weapons are not sharp or formidable. With 40,000 men, we can resolve this in one month." The chancellor, the grand censor, and both generals all believed that since it was harvest season for the people, too many troops should not be mobilized; "Deploying 10,000 soldiers to garrison and defend would suffice." Feng Fengshi said:
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
不可。天下被饑饉，士馬羸秏，守戰之備久廢不簡，夷狄皆有輕邊吏之心，而羌首難。今以萬人分屯數處，虜見兵少，必不畏懼，戰則挫兵病師，守則百姓不救。如此，怯弱之形見，羌人乘利，諸種並和，相扇而起，臣恐中國之役不得止於四萬，非財幣所能解也。故少發師而曠日，與一舉而疾決，利害相萬也。」固爭之，不能得。有詔益二千人。 |
| | "No, that is not acceptable. "The empire is suffering from famine, and both soldiers and horses are weak and exhausted. Defensive preparations for war have long been neglected and not properly reviewed; the barbarian tribes all harbor contempt for our border officials, and now the Qiang have taken the lead in rebellion." "Now, if we deploy 10,000 men to several garrisons, the rebels will see our forces as few and not fear us. If we fight, we risk weakening our troops; if we defend, the people cannot be saved." "In this way, our weakness will be revealed. The Qiang people will take advantage of the situation; all tribes may unite and rise up together. I fear that military operations in the central lands will not be limited to 40,000 troops, a problem that cannot be resolved by wealth or money alone." "Therefore, sending fewer troops and prolonging the campaign is far less advantageous than launching a decisive operation quickly; the difference in outcomes could be ten thousandfold." He strongly argued for his position but was unable to prevail. An imperial decree added 2,000 more troops.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
於是遣奉世將萬二千人騎，以將屯為名。典屬國任立、護軍都尉韓昌為偏裨，到隴西，分屯三處。典屬國為右軍，屯白石；護軍都尉為前軍，屯臨洮；奉世為中軍，屯首陽西極上。前軍到降同阪，先遣校尉在前與羌爭地利，又別遣校尉救民於廣陽谷。羌虜盛多，皆為所破，殺兩校尉。奉世具上地形部眾多少之計，願益三萬六千人乃足以決事。書奏，天子大為發兵六萬餘人，拜太常弋陽侯任千秋為奮武將軍以助焉。奉世上言：「願得其眾，不須復煩大將。」因陳轉輸之費。 |
| | The emperor then dispatched Feng Fengshi with 12,000 cavalrymen under the pretense of garrison duty. Director of Dependent Territories Ren Li and Commandant Han Chang served as his subordinates. Upon arriving at Longxi, they divided their forces to garrison three locations. The Director of Dependent Territories commanded the Right Army and was stationed at Baishi; the Commandant served as the Vanguard Army, garrisoned at Lintao; Feng Fengshi commanded the Central Army and was stationed west of Shouyang at Shangji. The Vanguard Army reached Jiangtong Ban and first dispatched a commandant ahead to contest strategic positions with the Qiang. Another commandant was separately sent to rescue civilians in Guangyang Valley. The Qiang forces were numerous and strong, defeating both detachments and killing the two commandants. Feng Fengshi submitted a detailed report on the terrain and troop numbers, requesting an additional 36,000 men in order to resolve the situation. After receiving his report, the emperor ordered more than 60,000 additional troops to be mobilized and appointed Ren Qianqiu, Marquis of Yiyang from the Ministry of Rites, as Fengwu General to assist him. Feng Fengshi made a further submission: "I would prefer to command these troops myself and do not wish to trouble the high-ranking generals." He also presented an account of the transportation and supply costs.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
上於是以璽書勞奉世，且讓之，曰：「皇帝問將兵右將軍，甚苦暴露。羌虜侵邊境，殺吏民，甚逆天道，故遣將軍帥士大夫行天誅。以將軍材質之美，奮精兵，誅不軌，百下百全之道也。今乃有畔敵之名，大為中國羞。以昔不閑習之故邪？以恩厚未洽，信約不明也？朕甚怪之。上書言羌虜依深山，多徑道，不得不多分部遮要害，須得後發營士，足以決事，部署已定，勢不可復置大將，聞之。前為將軍兵少，不足自守，故發近所騎，日夜詣，非為擊也。今發三輔、河東、弘農越騎、跡射、佽飛、彀者、羽林孤兒及呼速絫、嗕種，方急遣。且兵，凶器也，必有成敗者，患策不豫定，料敵不審也，故復遣奮武將軍。兵法曰大將軍出必有偏裨，所以揚威武，參計策，將軍又何疑焉？夫愛吏士，得眾心，舉而無悔，禽敵必全，將軍之職也。若乃轉輸之費，則有司存，將軍勿憂。須奮武將軍兵到，合擊羌虜。」 |
| | The emperor therefore sent a sealed letter to commend Feng Fengshi while also reprimanding him, saying: "His Majesty inquires of the Right General commanding troops, who has endured great hardship and exposure. "The Qiang rebels have violated the border, killing officials and civilians; this is a grave violation of heavenly principles. Therefore, I sent you to lead your officers and men in executing divine punishment. "Given the General's outstanding abilities, it is only right that he should lead elite troops to punish those who defy order. This is a sure path to victory in every battle." "Now you have the reputation of failing against rebels, bringing great shame upon the central lands. "Is this due to your previous lack of experience?" "Or is it because the kindness and favor shown were insufficient, or that promises made lacked clarity?" "I find this very strange." In his written response, Feng Fengshi explained that the Qiang rebels relied on deep mountainous terrain and had many hidden paths. Therefore, it was unavoidable to divide forces widely to block key positions. He needed additional reinforcements before he could decisively resolve the situation. His deployment plan was already set, and circumstances made it impossible to appoint another high-ranking general, as he had learned. "Earlier, the General's forces were too small to defend themselves, so nearby cavalry units were mobilized day and night for reinforcement, not for direct combat." "Now, we are urgently dispatching cavalry units from the Three Fu regions, Hedong, Hongnong—Yueqi, Jieshe, Ci Fei, Gouzhe, Yulin Orphan Soldiers, as well as Hushulie and Luchong. "Moreover, military force is a dangerous tool; there will always be victories and defeats. The problem lies in not having plans prepared beforehand or failing to accurately assess the enemy. Therefore, General Fengwu has been sent as reinforcement." "The military strategy says that when a supreme general departs, there must be subordinate commanders. This is to display strength and assist in planning. What then is the General's doubt?" "To care for one's officers and soldiers, win their hearts, act decisively without regret, and capture the enemy intact—this is the duty of a general." "As for transportation costs, there are officials responsible for that; you need not worry about it, General." "Wait until the reinforcements of General Fengwu arrive and then launch a joint attack on the Qiang rebels."
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
十月，兵畢至隴西。十一月，並進。羌虜大破，斬首數千級，餘皆走出塞。兵未決間，漢復發募士萬人，拜定襄太守韓安國為建威將軍。未進，聞羌破，還。上曰：「羌虜破散創艾，亡出塞，其罷吏士，頗留屯田，備要害處。」 |
| | In the tenth month, all troops arrived at Longxi. In the eleventh month, they advanced together. The Qiang rebels were heavily defeated; thousands of their heads were beheaded, and the remainder fled beyond the frontier. Before the campaign was decided, the Han court again raised 10,000 volunteer soldiers and appointed Tai Fu Han Anguo of Dingxiang as Jianwei General. He had not yet advanced when he heard that the Qiang had been defeated; he returned instead. The emperor said, "The Qiang rebels have been defeated and scattered; many of them have fled beyond the frontier. Dismiss your troops from service, but station a sufficient number to cultivate land and guard key strategic locations."
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
明年二月，奉世還京師，更為左將軍，光祿勳如故。其後錄功拜爵，下詔曰：「羌虜桀黠，賊害吏民，攻隴西府寺，燔燒置亭，絕道橋，甚逆天道。左將軍光祿勳奉世前將兵征討，斬捕首虜八千餘級，鹵馬牛羊以萬數。賜奉世爵關內侯，食邑五百戶，黃金六十斤。」裨將、校尉三十餘人，皆拜。 |
| | The following February, Feng Fengshi returned to the capital and was reappointed as Left General, retaining his previous title of Guanglu Xun. Later, when rewards and titles were bestowed for meritorious service, an imperial decree was issued stating: "The Qiang rebels are fierce and cunning; they have harmed officials and civilians, attacked the government offices of Longxi, burned watchtowers, and destroyed bridges, gravely violating heavenly principles. "Left General and Guanglu Xun Feng Fengshi, who previously led troops to campaign against them, captured or killed more than 8,000 enemy leaders. He also seized tens of thousands of horses, cattle, and sheep." "Therefore, Feng Fengshi is granted the title of Guannei Hou (Inner Pass Marquis), with a fief of 500 households and 60 catties of gold." More than thirty subordinate generals and commandants were also enfeoffed.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
後歲餘，奉世病卒。居爪牙官前後十年，為折衝宿將，功名次趙充國。 |
| | A little over a year later, Feng Fengshi died of illness. Having served in key military posts for more than ten years, he was regarded as a seasoned general capable of decisive action, and his achievements ranked second only to those of Zhao Chongguo.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
奮武將軍任千秋者，其父宮，昭帝時以丞相徵事捕斬反者左將軍上官桀，封侯，宣帝時為太常，薨。千秋嗣後，復為太常。成帝時，樂昌侯王商代奉世為左將軍，而千秋為右將軍，後亦為左將軍。子孫傳國，至王莽乃絕云。 |
| | lords Fenwu Jiangjun Ren Qianqiu, whose father Gong, during the reign of Emperor Zhao, served as a Chancellor's aide and captured and executed the rebellious Left General Shangguan Jie, was enfeoffed as marquis. During the reign of Emperor Xuan, he became Taichang and died in office. After succeeding to his title, Qianqiu again served as Taichang. During the reign of Emperor Cheng, Yuechang Hou Wang Shang succeeded Feng Fengshi as Left General, while Qianqiu served as Right General. Later, he too became Left General. His descendants continued to hold the fief until it was extinguished during Wang Mang's reign.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
奉世死後二年，西域都護甘延壽以誅郅支單于封為列侯。時丞相匡衡亦用延壽矯制生事，據蕭望之前議，以為不當封，而議者咸美其功，上從眾而侯之。於是杜欽上疏，追訟奉世前功曰：「前莎車王殺漢使者，約諸國背畔。左將軍奉世以衛候便宜發兵誅莎車王，策定城郭，功施邊境。議者以奉世奉使有指，春秋之義亡遂事，漢家之法有矯制，故不得侯。今匈奴郅支單于殺漢使者，亡保康居，都護延壽發城郭兵屯田吏士四萬餘人以誅斬之，封為列侯。臣愚以為比罪則郅支薄，量敵則莎車眾，用師則奉世寡，計勝則奉世為功於邊境安，慮敗則延壽為禍於國家深。其違命而擅生事同，延壽割地封，而奉世獨不錄。臣聞功同賞異則勞臣疑，罪鈞刑殊則百姓惑；疑生無常，惑生不知所從；亡常則節趨不立，不知所從則百姓無所措手足。奉世圖難忘死，信命殊俗，威功白著，為世使表，獨抑厭而不揚，非聖主所以塞疑厲節之意也。願下有司議。」上以先帝時事，不復錄。 |
| | Two years after Feng Fengshi's death, the Protector General of the Western Regions Gan Yanshou was enfeoffed as a marquis for his role in 诛杀 Zhizhi Chanyu. At that time, the Chancellor Kuang Heng also cited Gan Yanshou's unauthorized actions as grounds for creating trouble and, following Xiao Wangzhi's earlier proposal, argued that he should not be enfeoffed. However, most of those who deliberated praised his achievements, and the emperor followed the majority opinion and granted him a marquis title. At this time, Du Qin submitted a memorial to the throne, citing Feng Fengshi's earlier achievements and saying: "Previously, the King of Shache killed Han envoys and incited other states to rebel." "Left General Feng Fengshi, acting on his own initiative as a Wei Hou, dispatched troops to execute the King of Shache, planned and secured the walled cities, and rendered great service to the frontier." "The deliberators argued that since Feng Fengshi had been sent on a mission with specific instructions, according to the principles of Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals) he should not have taken independent action. Moreover, Han law allowed for acting without explicit imperial orders in certain circumstances, so he was denied a marquis title." "Now, the Xiongnu Zhizhi Chanyu killed Han envoys, fled to and took refuge in Kangju. The Protector General Yanshou mobilized more than 40,000 troops from walled cities and 屯田 officials and soldiers to execute him, and was therefore enfeoffed as a Marquis." "In my humble opinion, in terms of guilt, Zhizhi is less culpable than the King of Shache; in assessing the enemy's strength, the forces of Shache were greater; in employing troops, Feng Fengshi used fewer men. In calculating success, Feng Fengshi contributed to frontier stability and security; yet in considering potential failure, Yanshou would have brought great disaster upon the state." "Their actions of disobeying orders and 擅自 creating incidents are similar; yet Yanshou was rewarded with a fief for seizing territory, while Feng Fengshi alone received no recognition." "I have heard that when the rewards differ despite equal achievements, meritorious officials will be doubtful; and when punishments vary for similar crimes, the common people become confused;" "doubt arises from inconsistency, confusion leads to uncertainty about what one should follow;" "without consistency, moral standards cannot be established; and without knowing where to turn, the people will not know how to act." "Feng Fengshi planned for difficult tasks, disregarded death, fulfilled his mission in a foreign land, and achieved clear and evident feats of valor. He set an example for the world to follow; yet he alone is suppressed and not honored, which does not align with the intent of a sage ruler to dispel doubts and encourage virtue." "I respectfully request that Your Majesty refer this matter to the relevant officials for deliberation." The emperor, considering it a matter from the reign of his predecessor, did not take further action.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
奉世有子男九人，女四人。長女媛以選充後宮，為元帝昭儀，產中山孝王。元帝崩，媛為中山太后，隨王就國。奉世長子譚，太常舉孝廉為郎，功次補天水司馬。奉世擊西羌，譚為校尉，隨父從軍有功，未拜病死。譚弟野王、逡、立、參至大官。 |
| | Feng Fengshi had nine sons and four daughters. His eldest daughter, Yuan, was selected to enter the imperial harem and became Emperor Yuan's Zhao Yi; she bore Zhongshan Xiaowang. After Emperor Yuan died, Yuan became the Taihou of Zhongshan and accompanied her son to his fiefdom. Feng Fengshi's eldest son, Tan, was recommended by the Taichang as a filial and upright official (Xiao Lian) and appointed as an imperial attendant. Later, through his merits, he was promoted to be the Sima of Tianshui. When Feng Fengshi campaigned against the western Qiang, Tan served as a commandant and accompanied his father on the military expedition. He earned merit but died of illness before receiving an official appointment. Tan's brothers Ye Wang, Jun, Li, and Can all attained high-ranking positions.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
野王字君卿，受業博士，通詩。少以父任為太子中庶子。年十八，上書願試守長安令。宣帝奇其志，問丞相魏相，相以為不可許。後以功次補當陽長，遷為櫟陽令，徙夏陽令。元帝時，遷隴西太守，以治行高，入為左馮翊。歲餘，而池陽令並素行貪汙，輕野王外戚年少，治行不改。野王部督郵掾祋祤趙都案驗，得其主守盜十金罪，收捕。並不首吏，都格殺。並家上書陳冤，事下廷尉。都詣吏自殺以明野王，京師稱其威信，遷為大鴻臚。 |
| | Ye Wang, courtesy name Junqing, studied under a Doctor of the Imperial Academy and became proficient in the Classic of Poetry. As a young man, he was appointed as Zhongshuzi to the Crown Prince through his father's recommendation. At the age of eighteen, he submitted a memorial requesting an opportunity to serve as provisional magistrate of Chang'an for trial purposes. Emperor Xuan was impressed by his ambition and consulted Chancellor Wei Xiang, who considered it inappropriate to grant the request. Later, through accumulated merit, he was appointed as magister of Dangyang, promoted to magistrate of Lixian, and then transferred to serve as magistrate of Xiayang. During the reign of Emperor Yuan, he was promoted to Tai Fu of Longxi and, due to his distinguished administration, was recalled to serve as Zuo Fengyi. After more than a year, the magistrate of Chiyang, Bing Su, who was known for his corrupt and greedy conduct, looked down on Ye Wang as a young official from an imperial family and did not change his behavior. Ye Wang ordered the postal inspector, Yuan Duosui Zhao Du, to investigate and verify the case. They uncovered Bing Su's crime of guarding stolen gold worth ten jin (a unit of weight), and he was arrested. Bing Su did not confess, so Zhao Du executed him on the spot. lords The Bing family submitted a memorial to appeal their injustice, and the matter was referred to the Tingwei (Ministry of Justice). Zhao Du went to the officials and committed suicide to clear Ye Wang's name. The capital praised his authority and credibility, and Ye Wang was promoted to Da Honglu.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
數年，御史大夫李延壽病卒，在位多舉野王。上使尚書選第中二千石，而野王行能第一。上曰：「吾用野王為三公，後世必謂我私後宮親屬，以野王為比。」乃下詔曰：「剛彊堅固，確然亡欲，大鴻臚野王是也。心辨善辭，可使四方，少府五鹿充宗是也。廉絜節儉，太子少傅張譚是也。其以少傅為御史大夫。」上繇下第而用譚，越次避嫌不用野王，以昭儀兄故也。野王乃歎曰：「人皆以女寵貴，我兄弟獨以賤！」野王雖不為三公，甚見器重，有名當世。 |
| | After several years, the Grand Censor Li Yanshou died of illness while in office, and many officials recommended Ye Wang for the position. The emperor ordered the Shangshu to select among the Zhong Erqianshi (officials of the second thousand stones rank), and Ye Wang ranked first in both conduct and ability. The emperor said, "If I appoint Ye Wang as one of the Three Excellencies, future generations will surely say that I showed favoritism to relatives in the harem, using Ye Wang as an example." He then issued a decree stating: "Rigid and resolute, firm in character and free from desires—this describes Da Honglu Ye Wang. "Skilled in distinguishing right from wrong and eloquent in speech, suitable for diplomatic missions to all directions—this describes Shaofu Wulu Chongzong." "Upright, clean, and frugal—this describes Tai Zi Shao Fu Zhang Tan." "Therefore, appoint the Shaofu as Grand Censor." The emperor selected Zhang Tan from lower ranks while bypassing Ye Wang to avoid the appearance of impropriety, due to Ye Wang's status as the elder brother of Zhao Yi. Ye Wang sighed and said, "Everyone else attains honor through their daughters' favor; my brothers alone are considered lowly!" Although Ye Wang was not appointed as one of the Three Excellencies, he was highly esteemed and renowned in his time.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
成帝立，有司奏野王王舅，不宜備九卿。以秩出為上郡太守，加賜黃金百斤。朔方剌史蕭育奏封事，薦言「野王行能高妙，內足與圖身，外足以慮化。竊惜野王懷國之寶，而不得陪朝廷與朝者並。野王前以王舅出，以賢復入，明國家樂進賢也。」上自為太子時聞知野王。會其病免，復以故二千石使行河隄，因拜為琅邪太守。是時，成帝長舅陽平侯王鳳為大司馬大將軍，輔政八九年矣，時數有災異，京兆尹王章譏鳳顓權不可任用，薦野王代鳳。上初納其言，而後誅章，語在元后傳。於是野王懼不自安，遂病，滿三月賜告，與妻子歸杜陵就醫藥。大將軍鳳風御史中丞劾奏野王賜告養病而私自便，持虎符出界歸家，奉詔不敬。杜欽時在大將軍莫府，欽素高野王父子行能，奏記於鳳，為野王言曰：「竊見令曰，吏二千石告，過長安謁，不分別予賜。今有司以為予告得歸，賜告不得，是一律兩科，失省刑之意。夫三最予告，令也；病滿三月賜告，詔恩也。令告則得，詔恩則不得，失輕重之差。又二千石病賜告得歸有故事，不得去郡亡著令。傳曰：『賞疑從予，所以廣恩勸功也；罰疑從去，所以慎刑，闕難知也。』今釋令與故事而假不敬之法，甚違闕疑從去之意。即以二千石守千里之地，任兵馬之重，不宜去郡，將以制刑為後法者，則野王之罪，在未制令前也。刑賞大信，不可不慎。」鳳不聽，竟免野王。郡國二千石病賜告不得歸家，自此始。 |
| | When Emperor Cheng ascended the throne, officials submitted a report stating that Ye Wang, as the emperor's maternal uncle, was unsuitable to serve among the Nine Ministers. He was therefore transferred out of the capital to serve as Tai Fu of Shangjun and received a special grant of 100 catties of gold. Shufang Lushi Xiao Yu submitted a memorial and recommended, "Ye Wang's conduct and ability are outstanding; internally he is sufficient to cultivate personal virtue, externally he is capable of promoting moral transformation. "I secretly regret that Ye Wang possesses the nation's most precious treasure yet cannot serve alongside officials in court." "Previously, Ye Wang was transferred out due to his status as the emperor's maternal uncle; now he is recalled because of his virtue, demonstrating that our state values and promotes talent." The emperor had already heard of Ye Wang while still a crown prince. At the time, coinciding with his illness and removal from office, he was again appointed as a former Erqianshi to oversee river embankments. As a result, he was commissioned as Tai Fu of Langya. At that time, Emperor Cheng's eldest maternal uncle, Yangping Hou Wang Feng, served as Daisima Da Jiangjun (Grand Marshal and Grand General), assisting in governance for eight or nine years. At the time, there were frequent occurrences of calamities and omens; Jingzhao Yin Wang Zhang criticized Wang Feng for monopolizing power and deemed him unfit to hold office, recommending Ye Wang as his replacement. The emperor initially accepted his suggestion but later executed Wang Zhang; the details are recorded in the biography of Empress Dowager Yuan. Fearing for his safety and feeling uneasy, Ye Wang fell ill. After three months of leave granted by imperial decree, he returned to Duliu with his wife and children to seek medical treatment. Grand General Feng Wang Feng instructed the Zhongcheng of the Grand Censorate to impeach Ye Wang, accusing him of having been granted leave for illness yet acting on his own convenience, using a tiger token to cross borders and return home, thus showing disrespect toward imperial edicts. Du Qin, who was then serving in the Grand General's headquarters, had long respected the conduct and ability of Ye Wang and his father. He submitted a memorial to Feng Wang, defending Ye Wang by saying: "I have secretly reviewed the regulations, which state that officials of the second thousand stones may visit Chang'an during their leave without being separately granted rewards or privileges." "Now, officials interpret the regulations to mean that those who are granted leave may return home, but those who receive a special grant of leave cannot. This is applying one law in two different ways and fails to reflect the intent of leniency in punishment." "Granting leave after three consecutive years of outstanding performance is stipulated by imperial edict; being granted special leave for illness lasting three months is an act of imperial grace. Yet, if one may return home under the edict but not under imperial grace, this misrepresents the difference in their weight and importance." "Moreover, there are precedents for officials of the second thousand stones being granted special leave to return home due to illness; however, no explicit regulation prohibits them from leaving their posts." "The Classic says: 'When in doubt about rewards, err on the side of granting them; this is how we broaden grace and encourage achievement;" 'when in doubt about punishment, err on the side of leniency; this is how we exercise caution with criminal law and avoid difficult judgments.'" "Now, by disregarding the edict and precedents and instead applying the law of disrespect, this is greatly at odds with the principle of erring on the side of leniency when in doubt." "If officials of the second thousand stones, who are responsible for governing territories spanning a thousand li and bearing heavy military responsibilities, should not leave their posts, then Ye Wang's offense occurred before such regulations were established. "Punishments and rewards represent great matters of trust; they must be handled with the utmost care." Feng Wang did not listen, and ultimately dismissed Ye Wang from office. From this point onward, officials of the second thousand stones who were granted special leave due to illness could no longer return home.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
初，野王嗣父爵為關內侯，免歸。數年，年老，終于家。子座嗣爵，至孫坐中山太后事絕。 |
| | Initially, Ye Wang inherited his father's title as Guannei Hou and was dismissed from office and returned to private life. Several years later, after growing old, he died at home. His son Zuo inherited the title; however, it was extinguished by the time of his grandson due to matters related to Taihou of Zhongshan.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
逡字子產，通易。太常察孝廉為郎，補謁者。建昭中，選為復土校尉。光祿勳于永舉茂材，為美陽令。功次遷長樂屯衛司馬，清河都尉，隴西太守。治行廉平，年四十餘卒。為都尉時，言河隄方略，在溝洫志。 |
| | Jun, courtesy name Zichan, was well-versed in the I Ching (Book of Changes). Recommended by the Taichang for his filial piety and integrity, he served as an imperial attendant and was later appointed as Yezhe. During the Jianzhao period, he was selected to serve as Futi Xiao Wei. Guanglu Xun Yu Yong recommended him for his outstanding talent, and he became magistrate of Meiyang. Through accumulated merit, he was promoted successively to Sima of Changle Tunchui, Duwei of Qinghe, and Tai Fu of Longxi. He governed with integrity and fairness but died in his early forties. When he served as Duwei, he proposed strategies for river embankments; these are recorded in the section on ditches and irrigation works.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
立字聖卿，通春秋。以父任為郎，稍遷諸曹。竟寧中，以王舅出為五原屬國都尉。數年，遷五原太守，徙西河、上郡。立居職公廉，治行略與野王相似，而多知有恩貸，好為條教。吏民嘉美野王、立相代為太守，歌之曰：「大馮君，小馮君，兄弟繼踵相因循，聰明賢知惠吏民，政如魯、衛德化鈞，周公、康叔猶二君。」後遷為東海太守，下溼病痺。天子聞之，徙立為太原太守。更歷五郡，所居有跡。年老卒官。 |
| | Li, courtesy name Shengqing, was well-versed in Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn). He became an imperial attendant through his father's recommendation and gradually advanced to various administrative posts. During the Jingning period, due to his status as a maternal uncle of the emperor, he was transferred out of court service and appointed Duwei of Wuyuan Zhuguojia. After several years, he was promoted to Tai Fu (governor) of Wuyuan and later transferred to serve in Xihed and Shangjun. Li, while holding office, was upright and incorruptible; his administration closely resembled that of Ye Wang. However, he was more knowledgeable, compassionate, and generous in showing leniency, and enjoyed issuing clear regulations for instruction. The officials and common people praised the fact that Ye Wang and Li succeeded each other as Tai Fu, singing: "Great Feng Jun, Small Feng Jun; brothers following one another in succession. Wise and virtuous, they bring benefits to officials and people alike. Their governance is like that of Lu and Wei, their moral influence equal. They are like Duke of Zhou and Kang Shu, two great men." Later, he was transferred to serve as Tai Fu (governor) in Donghai, but due to the damp climate, he fell ill with paralysis. The emperor heard of this and transferred Li to serve as Tai Fu (Governor) of Taiyuan. Having served in five commanderies, wherever he governed, his achievements left a clear record. He died in office when he was old.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
參字叔平，學通尚書。少為黃門郎給事中，宿衛十餘年。參為人矜嚴，好修容儀，進退恂恂，甚可觀也。參，昭儀少弟，行又敕備，以嚴見憚，終不得親近侍帷幄。竟寧中，以王舅出補渭陵食官令。以數病徙為寢中郎，有詔勿事。陽朔中，中山王來朝，參擢為上河農都尉。病免官，復為渭陵寢中郎。永始中，超遷代郡太守。以邊郡道遠，徙為安定太守。數歲，病免，復為諫大夫，使領護左馮翊都水。綏和中，立定陶王為皇太子，以中山王見廢，故封王舅參為宜鄉侯，以慰王意。參之國，上書願至中山見王、太后。行未到而王薨。王病時，上奏願貶參爵以關內侯食邑留長安。上憐之，下詔曰：「中山孝王短命早薨，願以舅宜鄉侯參為關內侯，歸家，朕甚愍之。其還參京師，以列侯奉朝請。」五侯皆敬憚之。丞相翟方進亦甚重焉，數謂參：「物禁太甚。君侯以王舅見廢，不得在公卿位，今五侯至尊貴也，與之並列，宜少詘節卑體，視有所宗。而君侯盛修容貌以威嚴加之，此非所以下五侯而自益者也。」參性好禮儀，終不改其恆操。頃之，哀帝即位，帝祖母傅太后用事，追怨參姊中山太后，陷以祝詛大逆大罪，語在外戚傳。參以同產當相坐，謁者承制召參詣廷尉，參自殺。且死，仰天歎曰：「參父子兄弟皆備大位，身至封侯，今被惡名而死，姊弟不敢自惜，傷無以見先人於地下！」死者十七人，眾莫不憐之。宗族徙歸故郡。 |
| | Can, courtesy name Shuping, studied and became proficient in the Book of Documents (Shangshu). He began his career as Huangmenlang Geishi Zhong, serving as a palace attendant for more than ten years. Can was a man of dignified and serious demeanor; he took great care in his appearance, and his manner of advancing or retreating was modest and composed, making him very impressive to behold. Can was the younger brother of Zhao Yi; although he behaved with strict propriety, his severity made others wary of him. As a result, he never gained close access to serve in the emperor's inner circle. During the Jingning period, because he was the maternal uncle of the king, he left court service and was appointed as Shigan Ling (Officer in charge of food supplies) at Weiling. Due to frequent illness, he was transferred to the position of Qin Zhonglang and received an imperial decree exempting him from official duties. During the Yangshuo period, when the Prince of Zhongshan came to court, Can was promoted to Duwei of Shanghe Nong. He resigned from office due to illness and later resumed service as Qin Zhonglang at Weiling. During the Yongshi period, he was promoted by imperial favor to Tai Fu (Governor) of Dai Jun. Because the frontier commandery's location was remote, he was transferred to serve as Governor of Pingding. After several years, he resigned from office due to illness but was later reappointed as Jian Daifu (Censor-in-Attendance) and assigned to oversee the water management of Zuofengyi. During the Suhe period, the Prince of Detao was established as Crown Prince. Because the Prince of Zhongshan had been deposed, his maternal uncle Can was enfeoffed as Hou (Marquis) of Yexiang in order to console the prince's feelings. After returning to his fief, Can submitted a memorial expressing his wish to visit the Prince of Zhongshan and the Empress Dowager. Before he could arrive, however, the prince died. While the prince was ill, he submitted a memorial requesting that Can's marquis title be downgraded to Guannei Hou (an internal marquis) with a stipend of fief land in order for him to remain in Chang'an. The emperor felt sympathy for this and issued an edict: "Zhongshan Xiao Wang died young. He wished that his maternal uncle, Hou Can of Yexiang, be made a Guannei Hou so he could return home; I deeply feel compassion for this." Therefore, have Can return to the capital and serve as a marquis in attendance at court audiences." All five hou (marquises) held him with respect and awe. The prime minister Di Fangjin also greatly respected him, often saying to Can: "One must not be too excessive in one's conduct. As a marquis through your status as the maternal uncle of a deposed prince, you cannot hold positions among the high officials. Now these five hou are the most honored and powerful men; by being ranked alongside them, you should slightly lower your dignity and humble yourself to show deference." Yet you maintain a dignified appearance and impose an air of authority upon them; this is not the way to humble the five hou or benefit yourself." Can, by nature, loved etiquette and never changed his consistent conduct. Soon after, Emperor Ai ascended the throne. His paternal grandmother, Fu Taihou, held power and harbored resentment toward Can's sister, the Empress Dowager of Zhongshan; she accused her of a grave crime of wishing harm upon the emperor through curses or sorcery. This matter is recorded in the biography on external relatives. Can, being a blood relative and thus liable for the same punishment, was summoned by an imperial envoy under court orders to appear before Tingwei (Office of Criminal Justice). Can committed suicide. As he was about to die, he looked up at the sky and sighed: "My father, sons, brothers, and I have all held high positions; my body has even reached the rank of marquis. Now I must die with a bad reputation. My sister and I dare not cherish ourselves, but it pains me that we will be unable to face our ancestors beneath the earth!" Seventeen people were executed; many felt pity for them. Their clan was exiled and returned to their original commandery.
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| | 馮奉世傳: |
贊曰：詩稱「抑抑威儀，惟德之隅」。宜鄉侯參鞠躬履方，擇地而行，可謂淑人君子，然卒死於非罪，不能自免，哀哉！讒邪交亂，貞良被害，自古而然。故伯奇放流，孟子宮刑，申生雉經，屈原赴湘，小弁之詩作，離騷之辭興。經曰：「心之憂矣，涕既隕之。」馮參姊弟，亦云悲矣！ |
| | Zan said: The Book of Songs says, "Modest and dignified conduct is the cornerpost of virtue." Hou Can of Yexiang was modest and upright, careful in his conduct, choosing the right path to follow. He can truly be called a virtuous gentleman; yet he ultimately died an innocent man unable to save himself—how tragic! Slander and wickedness intertwined in chaos, righteousness and virtue were victimized; this has been the case since ancient times. Therefore, Boyi was exiled; Mencius underwent castration; Shen Sheng hanged himself with a wild chicken's neck; Qu Yuan drowned in the Xiang River. The poem Xiao Bian was composed and the Li Sao arose from such circumstances. The Classic says: "My heart is full of sorrow, my tears have already fallen." Feng Can's sister and he himself—what a tragic fate they shared!
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