| | 敘傳下: |
固以為唐虞三代，詩書所及，世有典籍，故雖堯舜之盛，必有典謨之篇，然後揚名於後世，冠德於百王，故曰「巍巍乎其有成功，煥乎其有文章也！」漢紹堯運，以建帝業，至於六世，史臣乃追述功德，私作本紀，編於百王之末，廁於秦、項之列。太初以後，闕而不錄，故探篹前記，綴輯所聞，以述漢書，起元高祖，終于孝平王莽之誅，十有二世，二百三十年，綜其行事，旁貫五經，上下洽通，為春秋考紀、表、志、傳，凡百篇。其敘曰： |
| | Therefore, he believed that the Tang and Yu of the Three Dynasties, mentioned in the Book of Songs and the Book of Documents, had records passed down through generations. Thus, even during the flourishing reigns of Yao and Shun, there must have been chapters on regulations and plans; only then could their names be celebrated by later generations and their virtue stand supreme among all kings. Hence it is said: "How lofty were their achievements! How brilliant were their writings!" The Han dynasty inherited the destiny of Yao and established an imperial empire. By the sixth generation, historians began to trace back their virtues and achievements, privately composing annals that placed them at the end among the records of a hundred kings, ranking them alongside Qin and Xiang. After the Taichu era, these events were omitted and not recorded. Therefore, I have explored earlier records, compiled what was heard, to compose a history of the Han dynasty, beginning with Emperor Gaozu and ending with the execution of Emperor Ping and Wang Mang, covering twelve generations over 230 years. Summarizing their deeds and broadly integrating them with the Five Classics, connecting past and present comprehensively, I have compiled annals, tables, records, and biographies totaling one hundred chapters. The preface states:
|
| | 敘傳下: |
皇矣漢祖，纂堯之緒，實天生德，聰明神武。秦人不綱，罔漏于楚，爰茲發跡，斷蛇奮旅。神母告符，朱旗乃舉，粵蹈秦郊，嬰來稽首。革命創制，三章是紀，應天順民，五星同晷。項氏畔換，黜我巴、漢，西土宅心，戰士憤怨。乘釁而運，席卷三秦，割據河山，保此懷民。股肱蕭、曹，社稷是經，爪牙信、布，腹心良、平，龔行天罰，赫赫明明。述高紀第一。 |
| | How great was the founder of the Han dynasty! He continued the legacy of Yao, truly endowed with virtue by Heaven, wise and divinely martial. The Qin people failed to uphold order, leaving no escape from the Chu forces. Here began his rise to prominence, cutting down a snake and rallying troops for battle. A divine mother revealed an omen; the red banner was raised. He marched into the Qin territories, and Ying came to submit with his head bowed in surrender. He initiated a revolution and established new institutions, recording three edicts as the foundation; responding to Heaven's will and following the people's desires, the Five Stars aligned in the same celestial position. The Xiang clan rebelled and changed allegiance, expelling us from Bashu and Hanzhong; the western territories were unsettled, and warriors grew resentful. Seizing the opportunity, he swept through the Three Qins, occupied the rivers and mountains to establish control, safeguarding this land and its people. Xiao He and Cao Can, his trusted ministers, managed the state's affairs; Han Xin and Peng Yue, his loyal generals, were as vital as claws and teeth; Zhong Liang and Chen Ping served as his most trusted advisors. They executed Heaven's punishment with vigor, their deeds illustrious and clear. The Annals of Emperor Gaozu, First Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝惠短世，高后稱制，罔顧天顯，呂宗以敗。述惠紀第二，高后紀第三。 |
| | Emperor Hui had a short reign; Empress Dowager Gao assumed authority, disregarding Heaven's will and clear signs, leading to the downfall of the Lu clan. The Annals of Emperor Hui, Second Chapter; The Annals of Empress Dowager Gao, Third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
太宗穆穆，允恭玄默，化民以躬，帥下以德。農不供貢，罪不收孥，宮不新館，陵不崇墓。我德如風，民應如屮，國富刑清，登我漢道。述文紀第四。 |
| | Emperor Taizong was dignified and composed, truly reverent and reserved in his silence; he transformed the people through personal example and led his subordinates with virtue. Farmers were not required to offer tribute, families of criminals were not seized as captives; no new palaces were built, and tombs were not excessively enlarged. My virtue was like the wind; the people responded as grass bends before it. The nation prospered, punishments were fair and clear—thus we ascended to the path of Han glory. The Annals of Emperor Wen, Fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝景蒞政，諸侯方命，克伐七國，王室以定。匪怠匪荒，務在農桑，著于甲令，民用寧康。述景紀第五。 |
| | Emperor Jing assumed rule; feudal lords defied orders. He subdued seven states through military action, thus stabilizing the royal house. He was neither idle nor indulgent; his focus lay in agriculture and sericulture. These policies were recorded in decrees, bringing peace and well-being to the people. The Annals of Emperor Jing, Fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
世宗曄曄，思弘祖業，疇咨熙載，髦俊並作。厥作伊何？百蠻是攘，恢我疆宇，外博四荒。武功既抗，亦迪斯文，憲章六學，統壹聖真。封禪郊祀，登秩百神；協律改正，饗茲永年。述武紀第六。 |
| | Emperor Shizong shone brightly; he sought to expand the legacy of his ancestors. He earnestly consulted and promoted capable individuals, bringing forth a generation of outstanding talents. What were these achievements? He repelled the hundred southern tribes, expanded our territories, and extended influence to all four frontiers. Having achieved great military feats, he also promoted culture; he established regulations for the Six Schools and unified the teachings of sages and truth. He conducted sacrifices at Mount Tai (fengshan) and in the suburbs, honoring a hundred deities according to their ranks; He adjusted musical laws and corrected calendars, thus enjoying long-lasting prosperity. The Annals of Emperor Wu, Sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝昭幼沖，冢宰惟忠。燕、蓋譸張，實叡實聰，罪人斯得，邦家和同。述昭紀第七。 |
| | lø At a young age, Emperor Zhao was weak and immature; the chief minister remained loyal. Yan Jifu and Gai Wu conspired in deception, but they were truly wise and discerning; the guilty were punished, bringing harmony to the state. The Annals of Emperor Zhao, Seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
中宗明明，夤用刑名，時舉傅納，聽斷惟精。柔遠能邇，燀燿威靈，龍荒幕朔，莫不來庭。丕顯祖烈，尚於有成。述宣紀第八。 |
| | Emperor Zhongzong was bright and discerning; he diligently applied laws and principles. At the time, Fu Nan was appointed to office, and judgments were rendered with precision. He could pacify distant lands while governing nearby regions well; his authority and spiritual power shone brightly, so that no region in the northern steppes or remote frontiers failed to come to court. He greatly honored the achievements of his ancestors, continuing their great deeds and accomplishments. The Annals of Emperor Xuan, Eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝元翼翼，高明柔克，賓禮故老，優繇亮直。外割禁囿，內損御服，離宮不衛，山陵不邑。閹尹之髁，穢我明德。述元紀第九。 |
| | Emperor Yuan was diligent and cautious; he was wise yet gentle in subduing others. He honored elder statesmen with courtesy, and favored those who were upright and sincere. He reduced the imperial hunting grounds and cut back on royal attire; no guards were stationed at the palaces, and no towns were built around tombs. Eunuchs and corrupt officials held power, defiling our virtuous governance. The Annals of Emperor Yuan, Ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝成煌煌，臨朝有光，威儀之盛，如圭如璋。壼闈恣趙，朝政在王，炎炎燎火，亦允不陽。述成紀第十。 |
| | Emperor Cheng was illustrious; his presence in court radiated brilliance. His dignity and ceremonial conduct were as refined as jade gui and zhang ornaments. Within the palace, Zhao Feiyan acted with unrestrained power; court affairs were controlled by Wang Mang. Like a raging fire, their influence spread—yet they lacked genuine virtue and brightness. The Annals of Emperor Cheng, Tenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝哀彬彬，克髓威神，彫落洪支，底剭鼎臣。婉孌董公，惟亮天功，大過之困，實橈實凶。述哀紀第十一。 |
| | Emperor Ai was courteous and refined; he upheld authority with divine power. He pruned the great branches of the imperial family, executing powerful ministers at the bottom to restore order. Wanliu and Dong Xian were loyal in their service to Heaven's will, yet the great troubles they faced proved both burdensome and ominous. The Annals of Emperor Ai, Eleventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝平不造，新都作宰，不周不伊，喪我四海。述平紀第十二。 |
| | Emperor Ping was not a capable ruler; Xin Du became the prime minister. Neither Zhou Gong nor Yi Yin, he brought ruin to all under Heaven. The Annals of Emperor Ping, Twelfth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
漢初受命，諸侯並政，制自項氏，十有八姓。述異姓諸侯王表第一。 |
| | At the beginning of the Han dynasty's mandate, feudal lords ruled concurrently; institutions were established by Xiang Yu, and eighteen surnames held power. The Table of Non-Imperial Clan Feudal Lords of the Han Dynasty, First Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
太祖元勳，啟立輔臣，支庶藩屏，侯王並尊。述諸侯王表第二。 |
| | Emperor Gaozu's original meritorious subjects were enfeoffed as supporting ministers; collateral branches served as vassal states, and marquises and kings held equal respect. The Table of Feudal Lords (of the Imperial Clan), Second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
侯王之祉，祚及宗子，公族蕃滋，支葉碩茂。述王子侯表第三。 |
| | The blessings of marquises and kings extended to their descendants; the imperial clan flourished, with collateral branches growing strong and numerous. The Table of Marquises Who Were Sons of Feudal Kings, Third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
受命之初，贊功剖符，奕世弘業，爵土乃昭。述高惠高后孝文功臣侯表第四。 |
| | At the beginning of its mandate, meritorious officials were enfeoffed with fiefs and seals; their descendants continued to expand achievements, and noble titles and lands became clearly established. The Table of Meritorious Marquises from the Reigns of Emperors Gaozu, Hui, Empress Dowager Gao and Emperor Wen, Fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
景征吳楚，武興師旅，後昆承平，亦有紹土。述景武昭宣元成哀功臣侯表第五。 |
| | Emperor Jing campaigned against Wu and Chu; Emperor Wu raised armies for war. Later generations inherited peace, and some also received hereditary fiefs. The Table of Meritorious Marquisates from the Reigns of Emperons Jing, Wu, Zhao, Xuan, Yuan, Cheng, and Ai, Fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
亡德不報，爰存二代，宰相外戚，昭韙見戒。述外戚恩澤侯表第六。 |
| | Those without virtue were not rewarded; some fiefs survived for two generations. Prime ministers and in-laws of the emperor are recorded here as examples and warnings. The Table of Marquisates Bestowed on Relatives-in-Law, Sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
漢迪於秦，有革有因，觕舉僚職，並列其人。述百官公卿表第七。 |
| | The Han dynasty followed and reformed the Qin system; it broadly established official positions and listed those who held them. The Table of High Officials, Seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
篇章博舉，通于上下，略差名號，九品之敘。述古今人表第八。 |
| | These chapters broadly cover all ranks, connecting the high and low; they briefly differentiate titles according to a nine-rank system. The Table of Historical Figures from Ancient Times to the Present, Eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
元元本本，數始於一，產氣黃鍾，造計秒忽。八音七始，五聲六律，度量權衡，曆算逌出。官失學微，六家分乖，壹彼壹此，庶研其幾。述律曆志第一。 |
| | Tracing back to origins and fundamentals, numbers begin with one; the Yellow Bell tone was generated from primordial qi, giving rise to calculations of moments and instants. The Eight Tones and Seven Beginnings, the Five Tones and Six Laws; measurements of length, capacity, weight, and balance—these were all derived from calendrical calculations. When officials neglected learning and the art declined, six schools of thought diverged; some adhered to one school, others to another—thus allowing a broad study of their principles. The Records on Laws, Calendars, and Astronomy, First Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
上天下澤，春雷奮作，先王觀象，爰制禮樂。厥後崩壞，鄭衛荒淫，風流民化，湎湎紛紛。略存大綱，以統舊文。述禮樂志第二。 |
| | Heaven above and Earth below interact; in spring thunder rumbles forth. Ancient kings observed celestial phenomena and thus established rites and music. Later, these systems collapsed; the Zheng and Wei schools promoted licentiousness. The people's customs deteriorated, becoming indulgent and chaotic. I have briefly preserved the main outlines to organize the old texts. The Records on Rites and Music, Second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
剨電皆至，天威震耀，五刑之作，是則是效，威實輔德，刑亦助教。季世不詳，背本爭末，吳、孫狙詐，申、商酷烈。漢章九法，太宗改作，輕重之差，世有定籍。述刑法志第三。 |
| | Lightning flashes and thunder roars; Heaven's power is awe-inspiring. The Five Punishments were established as a model and example, for punishment indeed supports virtue and aids in moral instruction. In later times, people neglected the fundamentals and competed over superficialities; Wu Qi and Sun Bin resorted to cunning strategies, while Shen Buhai and Shang Yang practiced harsh policies. The Han dynasty established nine legal codes; Emperor Taizong revised them, setting clear distinctions in severity that were recorded for generations. The Records on Criminal Law, Third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
厥初生民，食貨惟先。割制廬井，定爾土田，什一供貢，下富上尊。商以足用，茂遷有無，貨自龜貝，至此五銖。揚搉古今，監世盈虛。述食貨志第四。 |
| | At the beginning of human society, food and goods were the first priorities. Land was divided into plots with wells; your fields and lands were thus established. A tenth of produce was offered as tribute, enriching the lower classes while honoring those above. Commerce ensured sufficient supplies; goods were exchanged freely between abundance and scarcity. Currencies began with tortoiseshells and shells, evolving to the Wu Zhu coins of this era. Reviewing past and present trade practices reveals the rise and decline of generations. The Records on Food, Goods, and Currency, Fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
昔在上聖，昭事百神，類帝禋宗，望秩山川，明德惟馨，永世豐年。季末淫祀，營信巫史，大夫臚岱，侯伯僭畤，放誕之徒，緣間而起。瞻前顧後，正其終始。述郊祀志第五。 |
| | In ancient times, the most sage rulers honored a hundred deities with solemn ceremonies; they offered sacrifices to emperors and ancestors, observed rituals at mountains and rivers. Their virtue was fragrant and enduring, bringing perpetual years of abundance. In later times, excessive sacrifices were made; people placed blind faith in shamans and historians. Officials conducted ceremonies at Mount Dai, while marquises and viscounts improperly built altars. Irresponsible individuals took advantage of the situation to rise up. Looking back on the past and forward to the future, we must correct their beginning and end. The Records on Sacrifices at the Suburban Altars, Fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
炫炫上天，縣象著明，日月周輝，星辰垂精。百官立法，宮室混成，降應王政，景以燭形。三季之後，厥事放紛，舉其占應，覽故考新。述天文志第六。 |
| | The radiant heavens display their celestial phenomena clearly; sun and moon shine in cycles, while stars and constellations reveal their brilliance. Officials established regulations based on these celestial patterns; palaces and halls were constructed in harmony with them, descending to reflect royal governance, their forms illuminated by the light of Heaven. After three later dynasties, these matters became chaotic and scattered; I have collected omens and their interpretations to examine the old and study the new. The Records on Astronomy, Sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
河圖命庖，洛書賜禹，八卦成列，九疇逌敘。世代寔寶，光演文武，春秋之占，咎徵是舉。告往知來，王事之表。述五行志第七。 |
| | Fuxi received the River Chart and was named Pao; Yu was granted the Luo Book. The Eight Trigrams were arranged in order, and the Nine Categories of Knowledge were systematically organized. These treasures passed through generations illuminated the culture of Wen and Wu; omens recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals revealed signs of calamity. Learning from the past to foresee the future is essential for royal affairs. The Records on the Five Elements, Seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
坤作墬勢，高下九則，自昔黃、唐，經略萬國，變定東西，疆理南北。三代損益，降及秦、漢，革凛五等，制立郡縣。略表山川，彰其剖判。述地理志第八。 |
| | Earth formed its terrain with high and low regions divided into nine categories; since the time of Huangdi and Tang, all nations were surveyed and planned. Boundaries between east and west were established, and divisions between north and south were determined. The Three Dynasties reformed their systems; these changes continued down to the Qin and Han dynasties, abolishing feudal fiefs in five ranks and establishing commanderies and counties. I have briefly listed mountains and rivers to clarify their divisions. The Records on Geography, Eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
夏乘四載，百川是導。唯河為谡，災及後代。商竭周移，秦決南涯，自茲韵漢，北亡八支。文讯棗野，武作瓠歌，成有平年，後遂滂沱。爰及溝渠，利我國家。述溝洫志第九。 |
| | In the Xia dynasty, four types of boats were used to manage and guide a hundred rivers. Only the Yellow River was unpredictable; its disasters affected later generations. The Shang dynasty drained it, and the Zhou dynasty redirected it; the Qin dynasty breached its southern bank. From then until the Han dynasty, eight branches were lost to the north. Emperor Wen ordered control of floods in Zao Ye; Emperor Wu composed songs about the Hu River. For a time, peace and stability were achieved, but later the river overflowed again. Including ditches and canals, they benefited our country. The Records on Ditches and Canals, Ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
虙羲畫卦，書契後作，虞夏商周，孔纂其業，篹書刪詩，綴禮正樂，彖系大易，因史立法。六學既登，遭世罔弘，群言紛亂，諸子相騰。秦人是滅，漢修其缺，劉向司籍，九流以別。爰著目錄，略序洪烈。述藝文志第十。 |
| | Fu Xi drew the trigrams, and later writing was developed. The Shang, Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties continued this work; Confucius compiled their achievements, edited the Book of Documents and the Book of Songs, connected rites and corrected music, interpreted the Yijing with commentaries, and established laws based on history. Once the Six Classics were compiled, they encountered a world that did not promote them; many schools of thought arose in confusion, and various philosophers competed with each other. The Qin dynasty destroyed these works, but the Han dynasty restored what was lost. Liu Xiang managed the records and classified them into nine schools of thought. Thus a catalog was compiled to briefly arrange their great achievements. The Records on Literature and the Arts, Tenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
上嫚下暴，惟盜是伐，勝、廣熛起，梁、籍扇烈。赫赫炎炎，遂焚咸陽，宰割諸夏，命立侯王，誅嬰放懷，詐虐以亡。述陳勝項籍傳第一。 |
| | Above, there was arrogance; below, brutality. Only bandits were attacked, and thus Sheng and Guang arose in flames, while Liang and Ji fanned the fire of rebellion. Mighty and fierce, they eventually burned Xianyang to the ground. They carved up the Central Plains, establishing marquises and kings at will; they killed Ying Zi, exiled Emperor Hui, and perished through deceit and cruelty. The Biography of Chen Sheng and Xiang Ji, First Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
張、陳之交，斿如父子，攜手韬秦，拊翼俱起。據國爭權，還為豺虎，耳諫甘公，作漢藩輔。述張耳陳餘傳第二。 |
| | Zhang Er and Chen Yuanying were close as father and son; together they plotted to overthrow the Qin, supporting each other in their uprising. They seized territory and power but became like wolves and tigers. Er advised Gan Gong to become a protector of the Han dynasty. The Biography of Zhang Er and Chen Yu, Second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
三辞之起，本根既朽，枯楊生華，曷惟其舊！橫雖雄材，伏于海闯，沐浴尸鄉，北面奉首，旅人慕殉，義過黃鳥。述魏豹田儋韓信傳第三。 |
| | When the Three Disobediences arose, their roots had already rotted; a withered poplar bore flowers—how could it remain as before! Heng, though a man of great talent, submitted to the sea's expanse. He bathed in the land of corpses and faced north with his head bowed; travelers admired his sacrifice, whose righteousness surpassed that of Huangniao. The Biography of Wei Bao, Tian Dan, and Han Xin, Third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
信惟餓隸，布實黥徒，越亦狗盜，芮尹江湖。雲起龍襄，化為侯王，割有齊、楚，跨制淮、梁。綰自同閈，鎮我北疆，德薄位尊，非胙惟殃。吳克忠信，胤嗣乃長。述韓彭英盧吳傳第四。 |
| | Xin was once a starving clerk; Bu was truly a branded criminal; Yue was also a petty thief, while Rui and Yin roamed the rivers and lakes. They rose like clouds with dragons assisting them, becoming marquises and kings; they divided Qi and Chu, controlling Huai and Liang. Wan was from the same gate as others, guarding our northern frontier; with shallow virtue but high rank, his position brought only disaster. Wu overcame Zhongxin and thus ensured a long line of descendants. The Biography of Han, Peng, Ying, Lu, and Wu, Fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
賈廑從旅，為鎮淮、楚。澤王琅邪，權激諸呂。濞之受吳，疆土踰矩，雖戒東南，終用齊斧。述荊燕吳傳第五。 |
| | Jia Jin followed the army to serve as a commander in Huai and Chu. Zhe, King of Langya, stirred up power against the Liu clan. Bi's acceptance of Wu led to territory exceeding its limits; though warned about the southeast, he was ultimately cut down by Qi. The Biography of Jing, Yan, and Wu, Fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
太上四子：伯兮早夭，仲氏王代，斿宅于楚。戊實淫雾，平陸乃紹。其在于京，奕世宗正，劬勞王室，用侯陽成。子政博學，三世成名，述楚元王傳第六。 |
| | Emperor Tai had four sons: Bo died young; Zhong became king of Dai; the others resided in Chu. Wu was indeed a man of lust and fog, but Pinglu succeeded him. Those who remained in the capital passed down their lineage for generations as chief ancestors; they toiled for the royal house and were enfeoffed as marquises of Yangcheng. Zi Zheng was widely learned, achieving fame over three generations; this is the Biography of King Yuan of Chu, Sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
季氏之詘，辱身毀節，信于上將，議臣震栗。欒公哭梁，田叔殉趙，見危授命，誼動明主。布歷燕、齊，叔亦相魯，民思其政，或金或社。述季布欒布田叔傳第七。 |
| | The decline of the Ji clan brought disgrace and broken virtue; they trusted a high-ranking general, causing fear among the ministers. Luan Gong wept for Liang, and Tian Shu died for Zhao; in times of danger they gave their lives, moving the enlightened ruler with righteousness. Bu served Yan and Qi, while Shu also became prime minister of Lu; the people remembered his governance, either offering gold or building altars. The Biography of Ji Bu, Luan Bu, and Tian Shu, Seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
高祖八子，二帝六王。三趙不辜，淮厲自亡，燕靈絕嗣，齊悼特昌。掩有東土，自岱徂海，支庶分王，前後九子。六國誅斃，適齊亡祀。城陽、濟北，後承我國。赳赳景王，匡漢社稷。述高五王傳第八。 |
| | Emperor Gaozu had eight sons: two became emperors and six became kings. The three Kings of Zhao were unjustly treated; the King of Huai died a tragic death on his own, while the King of Yan had no heir and the King of Qi's line flourished uniquely. They controlled the eastern territories from Mount Dai to the sea; collateral branches were enfeoffed as kings, with nine sons before and after. Six states were destroyed by execution; only Qi perished without a sacrifice to its ancestors. Chengyang and Jibei later inherited our state. Brave King Jing, he upheld the Han dynasty's ancestral temple. The Biography of Five Kings of Gaozu, Eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
猗與元勳，包漢舉信，鎮守關中，足食成軍，營都立宮，定制修文。平陽玄默，繼而弗革，民用作歌，化我淳德。漢之宗臣，是謂相國。述蕭何曹參傳第九。 |
| | Yi and Yuanyun were great meritorious ministers who helped Han establish trust; they garrisoned Guanzhong, ensured sufficient food to build an army, planned the capital city, constructed palaces, established systems, and refined culture. Pingyang was quiet and reserved; his successors did not change this way, so the people composed songs praising the pure virtue of our state. The Han dynasty's chief ministers were known as chancellors. The Biography of Xiao He and Cao Can, Ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
留侯襲秦，作漢腹心，圖折武關，解阨鴻門。推齊銷印，敺致越、信；招賓四老，惟寧嗣君。陳公擾攘，歸漢乃安，斃范亡項，走狄擒韓，六奇既設，我罔艱難。安國廷爭，致仕杜門。絳侯矯矯，誅呂尊文。亞夫守節，吳楚有勳。述張陳王周傳第十。 |
| | Liu Hou attacked the Qin from behind, becoming the Han's trusted core; he plotted to break through Wu Guan and relieved the crisis at Hongmen. He drove out Qi, destroyed its seal, and led Yue and Xin into submission; He invited the Four Elders as guests to ensure peace for the successor king. Chen Gong, amidst chaos, returned to Han and brought peace; he defeated Fan and destroyed Xiang, drove Di away and captured Han. With six clever strategies in place, we faced no difficulties. An Guo debated in court, then retired from office and closed his gate. Marquis of Jiang was resolute; he exterminated the Lü clan and honored Emperor Wen. Yafu upheld his integrity, earning merit in repelling Wu and Chu. The Biography of Zhang, Chen, Wang, and Zhou, Tenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
舞陽鼓刀，滕公廄騶，潁陰商販，曲周庸夫，攀龍附鳳，並乘天衢。述樊酈滕灌傅靳周傳第十一。 |
| | Wuyang wielded a knife, Tenggong was a stable groom; Yingyin was a merchant and Quzhou an ordinary laborer. They all climbed on the dragon and attached to the phoenix, riding together along the path of heaven. The Biography of Fan, Li, Teng, Guan, Fu, Jin, and Zhou, Eleventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
北平志古，司秦柱下，定漢章程，律度之緒。建平質直，犯上干色；廣阿之廑，食厥舊德。故安執節，責通請錯，蹇蹇帝臣，匪躬之故。述張周趙任申屠傳第十二。 |
| | Beiping cherished ancient knowledge; he served as an official under the Qin dynasty, establishing Han regulations and continuing the lineage of laws and measurements. Jian Ping was upright and honest, daring to offend superiors with his boldness; Guang A's descendants preserved the virtue of their ancestors. Guan An upheld his integrity, demanding justice and requesting correction; a loyal minister to the emperor, he acted not for personal gain. The Biography of Zhang, Zhou, Zhao, Ren, and Shentu, Twelfth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
食其監門，長揖漢王，畫襲陳留，進收敖倉，塞隘杜津，王基以張。賈作行人，百越來賓，從容風議，博我以文。敬繇役夫，遷京定都，內強關中，外和匈奴。叔孫奉常，與時抑揚，稅介免冑，禮義是創。或悊或謀，觀國之光。述酈陸朱婁叔孫傳第十三。 |
| | Shi Qi was a gatekeeper who bowed respectfully to King Han; he planned the surprise attack on Chenliu and captured the Ao Granary, blocking passes and fording points—thus laying the foundation for the king's success. Jia served as an envoy; hundreds of envoys came to visit, and he spoke with ease and grace, enriching us through culture. Jing was a conscripted laborer who helped relocate the capital; he strengthened Guanzhong internally and maintained peace with the Xiongnu externally. Shusun Fengchang followed the times, rising and falling as needed; he taxed armor and helmets to establish rites and righteousness. Some were wise, others strategic—each contributed to the glory of the state. The Biography of Li, Lu, Zhu, Lou, and Shusun, Thirteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
淮南僭狂，二子受殃。安辯而邪，賜頑以荒，敢行稱亂，窘世薦亡。述淮南衡山濟北傳第十四。 |
| | Huainan acted in arrogance; his two sons suffered the consequences. An was eloquent yet deceitful, and Wang was stubborn and reckless. They dared to incite rebellion, bringing distress upon the world and hastening their own downfall. The Biography of Huainan, Hengshan, and Jibei, Fourteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
蒯通壹說，三雄是敗，覆酈驕韓，田橫顛沛。被之拘係，乃成患害。充、躬罔極，交亂弘大。述蒯伍江息夫傳第十五。 |
| | Kuai Tong's single strategy led to the downfall of three powerful men; he overthrew Li, humbled Han, and caused Tian Heng to wander in distress. Being captured and restrained ultimately brought disaster. Chong and Gong had no limits to their wickedness, causing great chaos through their schemes. The Biography of Kuai, Wu, Jiang, Xi, and Fu, Fifteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
萬石溫溫，幼寤聖君，宜爾子孫，夭夭伸伸，慶社于齊，不言動民。衛、直、周、張，淑慎其身。述萬石衛直周張傳第十六。 |
| | Wanshi was gentle and kind; from a young age, he understood the wise ruler. May your descendants flourish, growing strong and thriving—blessing the ancestral temple of Qi without needing to speak, yet moving the people. Wei, Zhi, Zhou, and Zhang were all virtuous and cautious in their conduct. The Biography of Wanshi, Wei, Zhi, Zhou, and Chang, Sixteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝文三王，代孝二梁，懷折亡嗣，孝乃尊光。內為母弟，外扞吳楚，怙寵矜功，僭欲失所，思心既霿，牛禍告妖。帝庸親親，厥國五分，德不堪寵，四支不傳。述文三王傳第十七。 |
| | Emperor Wen's three sons: Dai, Xiao, and two Lians; Huai was wronged and had no heir, but Xiao brought honor and glory. Internally, they were the emperor's younger brothers; externally, they defended against Wu and Chu. Relying on favor and boasting of their achievements, they overstepped in desire and lost their place. With troubled hearts and clouded judgment, ominous signs appeared through the "ox disaster." The emperor showed favor to his relatives, dividing their fiefdoms into five parts. But virtue could not sustain such favor; four branches failed to continue the line. The Biography of Emperor Wen's Three Kings, Seventeenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
賈生矯矯，弱冠登朝。遭文叡聖，屢抗其疏，暴秦之戒，三代是據。建設藩屏，以強守圉，吳楚合從，賴誼之慮。述賈誼傳第十八。 |
| | Jia Sheng was upright and resolute; before reaching adulthood, he entered the imperial court. Meeting Emperor Wen, a wise and enlightened ruler, Jia repeatedly submitted memorials; he warned against the tyranny of the Qin dynasty and based his arguments on the Three Dynasties. He proposed establishing vassal states as a defense to strengthen protection; when Wu and Chu joined forces, it was due to his foresight in righteousness. The Biography of Jia Yi, Eighteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
子絲慷慨，激辭納說，髓轡正席，顯陳成敗。錯之瑣材，智小謀大，禍如發機，先寇受害。述爰盎朝錯傳第十九。 |
| | Zi Si was bold and resolute; with stirring words, he submitted his arguments, taking a firm stand to clearly present the successes and failures. Chuo was an ordinary man with small wisdom but grand ambitions; disaster struck like a trigger pulled, and he became the first to suffer. The Biography of Yuan Ang and Chao Cuò, Nineteenth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
釋之典刑，國憲以平。馮公矯魏，增主之明。長孺剛直，義形於色，下折淮南，上正元服。莊之推賢，於茲為德。述張馮汲鄭傳第二十。 |
| | Shizhi administered the law with fairness; thus the state's constitution was maintained in balance. Feng Gong corrected Wei, enhancing the ruler's wisdom. Zhang Ru was firm and upright; righteousness showed in his expression. He confronted Huainan below and corrected the emperor above. Zhuang's recommendation of virtuous men was an act of virtue at this time. The Biography of Zhang, Feng, Ji, and Zheng, Twentieth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
榮如辱如，有機有樞，自下摩上，惟德之隅。賴依忠正，君子采諸。述賈鄒枚路傳第二十一。 |
| | Glory is like disgrace; there are mechanisms and pivots involved. Rising from below to influence above, one must rely on virtue as the foundation. Relying on loyalty and integrity, gentlemen would adopt such principles. The Biography of Jia, Zou, Mei, and Lu, Twenty-first Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
魏其翩翩，好節慕聲，灌夫矜勇，武安驕盈，凶德相挻，禍敗用成。安國壯趾，王恢兵首，彼若天命，此近人咎。述竇田灌韓傳第二十二。 |
| | Wei Qi was graceful, valuing virtue and reputation; Guan Fu boasted of his bravery, while Wu An was arrogant and conceited. Their wickedness fed upon each other, leading to disaster and downfall. An Guo had strong steps; Wang Hui led the military. If they were fated by heaven, then their failure was due to human faults. The Biography of Dou, Tian, Guan, and Han, Twenty-second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
景十三王，承文之慶。魯恭館室，江都訬輕；趙敬險詖，中山淫醟；長沙寂漠，廣川亡聲；膠東不亮，常山驕盈。四國絕祀，河間賢明，禮樂是修，為漢宗英。述景十三王傳第二十三。 |
| | Jing's thirteen kings inherited the blessings of Emperor Wen. Lu Gong dwelled in his mansion, while Jiangdu was frivolous and careless; Zhao Jing was treacherous and deceitful, Zhongshan indulged in debauchery. Changsha remained quiet and uneventful; Guangchuan lost its voice. Jiaodong was not upright, Changshan was arrogant and conceited. Four states lost their ancestral rites; Hejian was virtuous and wise, cultivating propriety and music, becoming a distinguished member of the Han royal family. The Biography of Jing's Thirteen Kings, Twenty-third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
李廣恂恂，實獲士心，控弦貫石，威動北鄰，躬戰七十，遂死于軍。敢怨衛青，見討去病。陵不引決，忝世滅姓。蘇武信節，不詘王命。述李廣蘇建傳第二十四。 |
| | Li Guang was modest and sincere; he truly won the hearts of his soldiers. Drawing bowstrings through stone, his might frightened northern neighbors. Participating in seventy battles personally, he ultimately died on the battlefield. He dared to resent Wei Qing and was later confronted by Wei Qing's younger brother, Wei Jie (known as "Qu Bing"). Ling did not commit suicide; he disgraced his family name and brought about its destruction. Su Wu upheld loyalty, refusing to bow to the king's command. The Biography of Li Guang and Su Jian, Twenty-fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
長平桓桓，上將之元，薄伐獫允，恢我朔邊，戎車七征，衝輣閑閑，合圍單于，北登闐顏。票騎冠軍，猋勇紛紜，長驅六舉，電擊雷震，飲馬翰海，封狼居山，西規大河，列郡祈連。述衛青霍去病傳第二十五。 |
| | Changping was valiant, the foremost general. He launched campaigns against Xianyun and expanded our northern frontier. With seven military expeditions in his chariot, he advanced steadily, encircling the Chanyu and ascending northward to Tianyan. Piaoqi, the Crown Prince, was a bold and courageous leader. With six great advances, he struck like lightning and thunder, drinking horse at Hanghai, establishing his title on Langjushan Mountain. He extended westward to the Yellow River, setting up commanderies in Qilian. The Biography of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, Twenty-fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
抑抑仲舒，再相諸侯，身修國治，致仕縣車，下帷覃思，論道屬書，讜言訪對，為世純儒。述董仲舒傳第二十六。 |
| | Zhong Shu was reserved and learned; he twice served as a chancellor to feudal lords. Cultivating himself, he governed the state well, retiring from office with dignity. Retreating into study, he pondered deeply, discussing principles in writing. His sincere advice was sought by rulers, making him a paragon of Confucian virtue for his time. The Biography of Dong Zhongshu, Twenty-sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
文豔用寡，子虛烏有，寓言淫麗，託風終始，多識博物，有可觀采，蔚為辭宗，賦頌之首。述司馬相如傳第二十七。 |
| | Wen Yan's works were rich in style but few in substance; his "Zixu" and "Wuyou" employed elaborate allegories, using beautiful yet excessive language. Through metaphorical allusions, he began and ended with the wind. His writings displayed extensive knowledge of natural history, offering much to admire and adopt. He became a master of literary style, the foremost in fu (rhapsody) and song (praise). The Biography of Sima Xiangru, Twenty-seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
平津斤斤，晚躋金門，既登爵位，祿賜頤賢，布衾疏食，用儉飭身。卜式耕牧，以求其志，忠寤明君，乃爵乃試。兒生亹亹，束髮修學，偕列名臣，從政輔治。述公孫弘卜式兒寬傳第二十八。 |
| | Pingjin was meticulous and cautious; in his later years, he attained high office. After rising to noble rank and receiving generous rewards, he lived modestly, wearing simple clothes and eating plain food, cultivating frugality as a virtue. Bu Shi farmed and herded livestock to pursue his ideals; his loyalty moved the enlightened ruler, who then bestowed him a title and put him to the test. Er Sheng was diligent from an early age; he studied assiduously since his youth, later joining the ranks of distinguished officials and assisting in governance. The Biography of Gongsun Hong, Bu Shi, and Er Kuan, Twenty-eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
張湯遂達，用事任職，媚茲一人，日旰忘食，既成寵祿，亦羅咎慝。安世溫良，塞淵其德，子孫遵業，全祚保國。述張湯傳第二十九。 |
| | Zhang Tang quickly rose to prominence; he held power and office, flattering the emperor so devotedly that he forgot meals. Though he gained favor and wealth, he also accumulated guilt and wrongdoing. An Shi was gentle and virtuous; his moral depth was as profound as a hidden spring. His descendants followed in his footsteps, preserving their family's legacy and safeguarding the state. The Biography of Zhang Tang, Twenty-ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
杜周治文，唯上淺深，用取世資，幸而免身。延年寬和，列于名臣。欽用材謀，有異厥倫。述杜周傳第三十。 |
| | Du Zhou governed with legalism; he followed the ruler's will without regard for justice. He gained worldly advantages through such means, and by luck alone escaped punishment. Yan Nian was broad-minded and harmonious; he ranked among the distinguished officials. Qin used talent and strategy, standing out from his peers. The Biography of Du Zhou, Thirtieth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
博望杖節，收功大夏；貳師秉鉞，身釁胡社。致死為福，每生作禍。述張騫李廣利傳第三十一。 |
| | Bo Wang held his staff as a symbol of authority and achieved great success in Dayu; E Shi wielded the military command, but his campaign ended in failure against the Hu people. To die for one's duty was considered a blessing; to live and fail brought disaster. The Biography of Zhang Qian and Li Guangli, Thirty-first Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
烏呼史遷，薰胥以刑！幽而發憤，乃思乃精，錯綜群言，古今是經，勒成一家，大略孔明。述司馬遷傳第三十二。 |
| | Alas for Sima Qian! He was cruelly punished by the law! In his suffering, he became determined and devoted himself to deep thought. He synthesized the words of many scholars, examining both ancient and modern times. He compiled a comprehensive work that stood as an independent school of thought, with a grand vision and profound clarity. The Biography of Sima Qian, Thirty-second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
孝武六子，昭、齊亡嗣。燕剌謀逆，廣陵祝詛。昌邑短命，昏賀失據。戾園不幸，宣承天序。述武五子傳第三十三。 |
| | Emperor Wu had six sons; Zhao and Qi died without heirs. Yan La conspired rebellion, while Guangling was guilty of cursing the emperor. Changyi had a short life and was foolish; his ministers failed to support him properly. Li Yuan met an unfortunate fate, but Xuan inherited the Mandate of Heaven in due order. The Biography of Emperor Wu's Five Sons, Thirty-third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
六世耽耽，其欲浟浟，文武方作，是庸四克。助、偃、淮南，數子之德，不忠其身，善謀於國。述嚴朱吾丘主父徐嚴終王賈傳第三十四。 |
| | For six generations, they were watchful and ambitious; as literature and martial virtue began to flourish, four rulers achieved success through their competence. Zhu, Yan, and Huainan—these several sons displayed virtue; though they were not loyal to themselves, their strategies benefited the state. The Biography of Yan, Zhu, Wuqiu, Zhufu, Xu, Yan, Zhong, Wang, and Jia, Thirty-fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
東方贍辭，詼諧倡優，譏苑扞偃，正諫舉郵，懷肉汙殿，弛張沈浮。述東方朔傳第三十五。 |
| | Dongfang was eloquent, witty and humorous like a court jester. He criticized the corrupt and supported the upright, delivering earnest advice through jests. Once he brought meat to defile the palace hall, his fortune fluctuated between rise and fall. The Biography of Dongfang 朔, Thirty-fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
葛繹內寵，屈氂王子。千秋時發，宜春舊仕。敞、義依霍，庶幾云已。弘惟政事，萬年容己。咸睡厥誨，孰為不子？述公孫劉田楊王蔡陳鄭傳第三十六。 |
| | Ge Yi enjoyed the emperor's favor; Qu Mao was a prince of the imperial family. Qian Qiu acted at the right moment, while Yichun held an old official position. Chang and Yi relied on Huo (Huo Qubing), barely managing to survive. Hong was solely concerned with governance, allowing Wan Nian to indulge in self-interest. All neglected their teachings—how could they be considered true sons? The Biography of Gongsun, Liu, Tian, Yang, Wang, Cai, Chen, and Zheng, Thirty-sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
王孫臝葬，建乃斬將。雲廷訐禹，福逾刺鳳，是謂狂狷，敞近其衷。述楊胡朱梅云傳第三十七。 |
| | Wang Sun was buried in a simple shroud; Jian executed the general. Yun Ting accused Yu, Fu Yu attacked Feng—these were acts of recklessness and stubbornness; Chang's actions came closest to the true path. The Biography of Yang, Hu, Zhu, Mei, and Yun, Thirty-seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
博陸堂堂，受遺武皇，擁毓孝昭，末命導揚。遭家不造，立帝廢王，權定社稷，配忠阿衡。懷祿耽寵，漸化不詳，陰妻之逆，至子而亡。秺侯狄孥，虔恭忠信，奕世載德，貤于子孫。述霍光金日磾傳第三十八。 |
| | Bolu was grand and noble; he received the imperial mandate from Emperor Wu. He supported Emperor Zhao and guided him in his final days, carrying out the late emperor's will. Facing family misfortune, he enthroned one emperor and deposed another; his authority decided the fate of the state, aligning with loyalty as a trusted minister. He craved wealth and favor, gradually turning to ill omens; the treachery of his wife led ultimately to his son's downfall. Duke Dahu and Di Nu were devout, respectful, loyal, and trustworthy; their virtue endured through generations, passed down to their descendants. The Biography of Huo Guang and Jin Midi, Thirty-eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
兵家之策，惟在不戰。營平皤皤，立功立論，以不濟可，上諭其信。武賢父子，虎臣之俊。述趙充國辛慶忌傳第三十九。 |
| | The strategy of the military is to achieve victory without fighting. lodash Ying Ping was upright and wise; he established both achievements and theories, demonstrating that success could be achieved through non-aggression. The emperor recognized his wisdom and trusted him. Wu Xian and his father were outstanding among the brave ministers. The Biography of Zhao Chongguo and Xin Qingji, Thirty-ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
義陽樓蘭，長羅昆彌，安遠日逐，義成郅支。陳湯誕節，救在三悊；會宗勤事，疆外之桀。述傅常鄭甘陳段傳第四十。 |
| | Yiyang Loulan, Changluo Kunmi, Anyuan Rizhu, Yicheng Zhizhi. Chen Tang was born with a sense of righteousness; his rescue came from three wise men; Hui Zong worked diligently, becoming an outstanding figure beyond the borders. The Biography of Fu Chang, Zheng Gan, Chen Duan, Fortyth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
不疑膚敏，應變當理，辭霍不婚，逡遁致仕。疏克有終，散金娛老。定國之祚，于其仁考。廣德、當、宣，近於知恥。述雋疏于薛平彭傳第四十一。 |
| | Bu Yi was naturally intelligent and adaptable; he handled affairs with reason. He declined marriage to Huo's family, retiring from office in a modest manner. Shu Ke achieved a successful end, spending his wealth and enjoying old age. The destiny of the state was secured through the virtue of its benevolent ancestors. Guangde, Dang, and Xuan were close to understanding shame. The Biography of Juan Shu Yu Xue Ping Peng, Forty-first Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
四皓遯秦，古之逸民，不營不拔，嚴平、鄭真。吉困于賀，涅而不緇；禹既黃髮，以德來仕。舍惟正身，勝死善道；郭欽、蔣詡，近遯之好。述王貢兩龔鮑傳第四十二。 |
| | The Four Sages fled from the Qin dynasty; they were recluses of old, neither seeking office nor striving for advancement—Yan Ping and Zheng Zhen. Ji was trapped by He but remained uncorrupted; like jade in filth, he did not turn black. Yu, with his white hair, came to office through virtue. He believed that maintaining personal integrity was more important than life itself; dying for righteousness was the highest path. Guo Qin and Jiang Xu were close to the ideals of reclusive virtue. The Biography of Wang Gong, Liang Gong, and Bao, Forty-second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
扶陽濟濟，聞詩聞禮。玄成退讓，仍世作相。漢之宗廟，叔孫是謨，革自孝元，諸儒變度。國之誕章，博載其路。述韋賢傳第四十三。 |
| | Fuyang was dignified; he was well-versed in poetry and ritual. Xuancheng, though modest and yielding, still served as prime minister for generations. The ancestral temples of the Han dynasty were planned by Shusun; reforms began with Emperor Xiaoyuan, and various Confucian scholars altered the regulations. The grand edicts of the state are widely recorded in their path. The Biography of Wei Xian, Forty-third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
高平師師，惟辟作威，圖黜凶害，天子是毗。博陽不伐，含弘光大，天誘其衷，慶流苗裔。述魏相丙吉傳第四十四。 |
| | Gaoping was a devoted teacher; he upheld the authority of the ruler, plotted to remove villains and harm, and assisted the Son of Heaven. Boyang did not boast; he bore great virtue with humility and magnanimity. Heaven recognized his sincerity, and blessings extended to his descendants. The Biography of Wei Xiang and Bing Ji, Forty-fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
占往知來，幽贊神明，苟非其人，道不虛行。學微術昧，或見仿佛，疑殆匪闕，違眾迕世，淺為尤悔，深作敦害。述眭兩夏侯京翼李傳第四十五。 |
| | To know the future by observing the past is to receive divine insight in secret; if one is not the right person, the Way will not proceed without reason. If learning is obscure and methods unclear, one may see only vague outlines; doubts and dangers are not lacking. Going against the crowd and defying the times, shallow understanding brings regret, while deeper involvement causes harm. The Biography of Sui Liang Xiahou Jing Yi Li, Forty-fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
廣漢尹京，克聰克明；延壽作翊，既和且平。矜能訐上，俱陷極刑。翁歸承風，帝揚厥聲。敞；亦平平，文雅自贊；尊實赳赳，邦家之彥；章死非罪，士民所歎。述趙尹韓張兩王傳第四十六。 |
| | Guanghan Yinjing was both wise and discerning; Yanshou served as an assistant, maintaining harmony and peace. Boasting of their abilities and accusing superiors, they both fell into the most severe punishment. Wenggui followed the prevailing trend; the emperor praised his reputation. Chang; He was also moderate and refined, naturally commendable in his elegance. Zun Shi was valiant and vigorous, a distinguished figure of the state. Zhang died without guilt; scholars and commoners alike lamented his fate. The Biography of Zhao Yin Han Zhang Liang Wang, Forty-sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
寬饒正色，國之司直。豐繄好剛，輔亦慕直。皆陷狂狷，不典不式。崇執言責，隆持官守。寶曲定陵，並有立志。述蓋諸葛劉鄭毋將孫何傳第四十七。 |
| | Kuanrao maintained a dignified demeanor; he was the upholder of justice in the state. Fengyi valued firmness, and his assistant also admired integrity. Both fell into extremes of madness or stubbornness, neither exemplary nor conforming to standards. Chong fulfilled his duty in speaking out; Long upheld the responsibilities of his office. Bao Qu Dingling, all had firm aspirations. The Biography of Gai Zhuge Liu Zheng Wujiang Sun He, Forty-seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
長倩陇陇，覿霍不舉，遇宣乃拔，傅元作輔，不圖不慮，見躓石、許。述蕭望之傳第四十八。 |
| | Chang Qian was loyal and steadfast; he did not serve under Huo, but was promoted by Emperor Xuan. Fu Yuan became a trusted minister. He neither schemed nor plotted, yet encountered obstacles from Shi Xu. The Biography of Xiao Wangzhi, Forty-eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
子明光光，發跡西疆，列於禦侮，厥子亦良。述馮奉世傳第四十九。 |
| | Ziming was illustrious; he rose to prominence in the western frontier and was listed among those defending against aggression. His son, too, proved virtuous. The Biography of Feng Fengshi, Forty-ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
宣之四子，淮陽聰敏，舅氏蘧蒢，幾陷大理。楚孝惡疾，東平失軌，中山凶短，母歸戎里。元之二王，孫後大宗，昭而不穆，大命更登。述宣元六王傳第五十。 |
| | Emperor Xuan had four sons; Huaiyang was intelligent and perceptive. His maternal uncle, Qu Chu, nearly fell into serious trouble in the Grand Court of Justice. The Prince of Chuxiao was cruel and vicious; Dongping strayed from proper conduct, Zhongshan was wicked and short-lived. His mother returned to her native place among the Rong people. Emperor Yuan's two sons, Sunhou and Dazong; they were illustrious but not harmonious, and the great mandate passed to another. The Biography of the Six Kings of Xuan and Yuan, Fiftieth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
樂安铖铖，古之文學，民具爾瞻，困于二司。安昌貨殖，朱雲作娸。博山惇慎，受莽之疚。述匡張孔馬傳第五十一。 |
| | Le'an was diligent; he was a scholar of old, respected by the people, yet troubled by two officials. Anchang engaged in commerce; Zhu Yun acted with boldness and defiance. Bo Shan was cautious and conscientious, yet suffered under Wang Mang's injustice. The Biography of Kuang Zhang Kong Ma, Fifty-first Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
樂昌篤實，不橈不詘，遘閔既多，是用廢黜。武陽殷勤，輔導副君，既忠且謀，饗茲舊勳。高武守正，因用濟身。述王商、史丹、傅喜傳第五十二。 |
| | Lechang was sincere and steadfast; he neither bent nor yielded. Having encountered many misfortunes, he was thus dismissed from office. Wuyang was diligent and devoted; he assisted the crown prince with both loyalty and wisdom, thus receiving honors for his past merits. Gao Wu upheld righteousness, thereby achieving success in life. The Biography of Wang Shang, Shi Dan, and Fu Xi, Fifty-second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
高陽文法，揚鄉武略，政事之材，道德惟薄，位過厥任，鮮終其祿。博之翰音，鼓妖先作。述薛宣朱博傳第五十三。 |
| | Gaoyang was learned in law; Yangxiang had martial strategy. Though they were talents for governance, their morality was shallow. Their positions exceeded their abilities, and few completed their terms of office. Bo's eloquent words stirred up false omens before the calamity occurred. The Biography of Xue Xuan and Zhu Bo, Fifty-third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
高陵修儒，任刑養威，用合時宜，器周世資。義得其勇，如虎如貔，進不跬步，宗為鯨鯢。述翟方進傳第五十四。 |
| | Gaoling cultivated Confucian learning; he administered punishments to cultivate authority. His governance was timely and appropriate, making him a capable official for his age. Yi possessed true bravery; he was as fierce as a tiger or a feral pig. Advancing without hesitation, his family became prominent like great fish in the clan. The Biography of Zhai Fangjin, Fifty-fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
統微政缺，災眚屢發。永陳厥咎，戒在三七。鄴指丁、傅，略窺占術。述谷永杜鄴傳第五十五。 |
| | When governance was weak and policies lacking, calamities frequently occurred. Yong exposed their faults; the warning lay in the numbers three and seven. Ye pointed to Ding and Fu, barely glimpsing divination techniques. The Biography of Gu Yong and Du Ye, Fifty-fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
哀、平之卹，丁、傅、莽、賢。武、嘉戚之，乃喪厥身。高樂廢黜，咸列貞臣。述何武王嘉師丹傳第五十六。 |
| | The misfortunes of Emperors Ai and Ping were due to Ding, Fu, Wang Mang, and Xian. Wu and Jia, burdened by these kin, ultimately lost their lives. Gao Le was deposed; all were listed as loyal ministers. The Biography of He Wu, Wang Jia, and Shi Dan, Fifty-sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
淵哉若人！實好斯文。初擬相如，獻賦黃門，輟而覃思，草法篹玄，斟酌六經，放易象論，潛于篇籍，以章厥身。述揚雄傳第五十七。 |
| | How profound was this man! He truly cherished the literary arts. Initially emulating Sima Xiangru, he presented rhapsodies to the Yellow Gate. Later, he paused and pondered deeply, drafting legal codes and compiling profound principles. He carefully studied the Six Classics, expounding on the Yijing's images and theories, concealing his insights within writings to reveal his virtue. The Biography of Yang Xiong, Fifty-seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
獷獷亡秦，滅我聖文，漢存其業，六學析分。是綜是理，是綱是紀，師徒彌散，著其終始。述儒林傳第五十八。 |
| | The brutal Qin destroyed our sacred culture; the Han preserved its legacy, and the Six Schools of Learning were divided and analyzed. Thus they organized and systematized it, establishing principles and structure; as teachers and disciples dispersed, the beginning and end of their learning were recorded. The Biography of Confucian Scholars, Fifty-eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
誰毀誰譽，譽其有試。泯泯群黎，化成良吏。淑人君子，時同功異。沒世遺愛，民有餘思。述循吏傳第五十九。 |
| | Who is condemned and who praised? Those who are praised have been tested in practice. The common people, once indistinct, were transformed into virtuous officials. Virtuous men and gentlemen of the time achieved different accomplishments despite similar eras. Their legacy endured after death; the people cherished their memory. The Biography of Diligent Officials, Fifty-ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
上替下陵，姦軌不勝，猛政橫作，刑罰用興。曾是強圉，掊克為雄，報虐以威，殃亦凶終。述酷吏傳第六十。 |
| | When superiors neglected their duties and subordinates overstepped, corrupt conduct could not be controlled; harsh policies arose arbitrarily, and punishments were enforced. These tyrants, though powerful in defense, became dominant through oppression. They responded to cruelty with authority, yet their misfortunes ended in disaster. The Biography of Harsh Officials, Sixtieth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
四民食力，罔有兼業，大不淫侈，細不匱乏，蓋均無貧，遵王之法。靡法靡度，民肆其詐，偪上并下，荒殖其貨。侯服玉食，敗俗傷化。述貨殖傳第六十一。 |
| | The four classes of people earned their living through labor, none engaging in multiple trades. The wealthy did not indulge excessively, and the poor were never destitute. Thus there was general equality without poverty, all following the king's laws. Without law or measure, the people indulged in deceit; they oppressed superiors and exploited inferiors, growing rich through illicit means. They wore fine robes and ate delicacies, corrupting customs and harming moral influence. The Biography of Merchants, Sixty-first Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
開國承家，有法有制，家不臧甲，國不專殺。矧乃齊民，作威作惠，如台不匡，禮法是謂！述游俠傳第六十二。 |
| | Founding a state and inheriting a family required laws and institutions; the household did not hoard weapons, nor did the state monopolize executions. How much more so for common people to wield power and show favor! If they do not correct themselves, this is what is called a violation of rites and laws! The Biography of Wanderers and Heroes, Sixty-second Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
彼何人斯，竊此富貴！營損高明，作戒後世。述佞幸傳第六十三。 |
| | Who are these people that have stolen such wealth and honor! They damaged their own virtue, serving as a warning to future generations. The Biography of Flatterers and Favorites, Sixty-third Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
於惟帝典，戎夷猾夏；周宣攘之，亦列風雅。宗幽既昏，淫於褒女，戎敗我驪，遂亡酆鄗。大漢初定，匈奴強盛，圍我平城，寇侵邊境。至于孝武，爰赫斯怒，王師雷起，霆擊朔野。宣承其末，乃施洪德，震我威靈，五世來服。王莽竊命，是傾是覆，備其變理，為世典式。述匈奴傳第六十四。 |
| | In the imperial records, it is said that the Huaxia were troubled by the Rong and Yi tribes; Emperor Xuan of Zhou repelled them, and was also recorded in the annals of elegance. When the Son of Heaven became corrupt, indulging in Bao Nü, the Rong tribes defeated us at Li, and thus Feng and Hao were lost. When the great Han dynasty was newly established, the Xiongnu were powerful; they surrounded our city Pingcheng and invaded our borders. By Emperor Xiaowu's reign, he was greatly enraged; the imperial army arose like thunder, striking down in the northern plains with lightning force. Emperor Xuan inherited this legacy and extended great virtue; he demonstrated our power and divine influence, leading the Xiongnu to submit for five generations. Wang Mang usurped the mandate; thus the Han dynasty was overturned and destroyed. The events of this transformation were recorded as a model for future generations. The Biography of the Xiongnu, Sixty-fourth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
西南外夷，種別域殊。南越尉佗，自王番禺，攸攸外寓，閩越、東甌。爰洎朝鮮，燕之外區。漢興柔遠，與爾剖符。皆恃其岨，乍臣乍驕，孝武行師，誅滅海隅。述西南夷兩越朝鮮傳第六十五。 |
| | The southern and western frontier tribes were diverse in ethnicity and distinct in territory. Nanyue's general Yu Ruo declared himself king at Panyu, ruling over distant regions including Minyue and Dongou in the east. This extended to Chaoxian, a region beyond Yan's borders. When the Han dynasty rose to power, it adopted policies of pacifying distant regions and granted you seals as symbols of alliance. They all relied on their rugged terrain, alternating between submission and arrogance; Emperor Xiaowu led his troops to punish them, eradicating rebels in the coastal regions. The Biography of the Southern and Western Tribes, Liangyue, and Chaoxian, Sixty-fifth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
西戎即序，夏后是表。周穆觀兵，荒服不旅。漢武勞神，圖遠甚勤。王師驒驒，致誅大宛。姼姼公主，乃女烏孫，使命乃通，條支之瀕。昭、宣承業，都護是立，總督城郭，三十有六，修奉朝貢，各以其職。述西城傳第六十六。 |
| | The western Rong tribes were pacified and became subjects; this was recorded by the Xia dynasty rulers as a model of governance. Emperor Mu of Zhou inspected his troops, but even the distant frontier regions did not come to pay homage. Emperor Wu of Han exhausted himself in governance and worked diligently to extend control over distant lands. The imperial army marched forward, leading to the punishment and destruction of Daxia (Fergana). The Han princess, marrying into Wusun, became a daughter-in-law to the tribe. Through this marriage alliance, diplomatic missions were established as far as Tiaozhi on the western frontier. Emperors Zhao and Xuan inherited this mission, establishing the Protectorate General to Pacify the West. They oversaw thirty-six walled cities, each fulfilling its duties by offering tribute and maintaining loyalty to the Han court. The Biography of the Western Regions, Sixty-sixth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
詭矣禍福，刑于外戚。高后首命，呂宗顛覆。薄姬蕴魏，宗文產德。竇后違意，考盤于代。王氏仄微，世武作嗣。子夫既興，扇而不終。鉤弋憂傷，孝昭以登。上官幼尊，類禡厥宗。史娣、王悼，身遇不祥，及宣饗國，二族後光。恭哀產元，夭而不遂。邛成乘序，履尊三世。飛燕之妖，禍成厥妹。丁、傅僭恣，自求凶害。中山無辜，乃喪馮、衛。惠張、景薄，武陳、宣霍，成許、哀傅，平王之作，事雖歆羨，非天所度。怨咎若茲，如何不恪！述外戚傳第六十七。 |
| | Strange indeed are misfortune and fortune; they often manifest in punishment or favor toward imperial relatives. Empress Dowager Gao was the first to wield power, leading to the downfall of the Lu clan. Bo Ji, originating from Wei, bore Emperor Wen and brought virtue into the imperial lineage. Empress Dou defied her will, retreating to Dai as a recluse. The Wang clan rose from obscurity; through generations of martial virtue, they became successors to power. After Empress Zifu's rise to prominence, her influence spread but did not last until the end. Hook Yi was troubled and sorrowful; Emperor Zhao succeeded through filial virtue. The young Empress Dowager Shangguan, like a general, safeguarded her clan's power. Shidi and Wang Dao encountered misfortune in their lives; by Emperor Xuan's reign, both families regained honor and prosperity. Empress Gong'ai bore the future Emperor Yuan but died young without seeing his success. Qong Cheng followed in order, holding imperial power across three generations. The sorcery of Feiyan brought disaster upon her sister. Ding and Fu acted with arrogance and overstepped their bounds, inviting misfortune upon themselves. The innocent Prince of Zhongshan thus lost the support of Feng and Wei. The Empresses of Emperor Hui, Zhang; Emperor Jing, Bo; Emperor Wu, Chen; Emperor Xuan, Huo; Emperor Cheng, Xu; Emperor Ai, Fu; and Emperor Ping, Wang—all their fates, though enviable in worldly terms, were not ordained by Heaven. With such grievances and misfortunes, how could one fail to be reverent and cautious! The Biography of Imperial Relatives, Sixty-seventh Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
元后娠母，月精見表。遭成之逸，政自諸舅。陽平作威，誅加卿宰。成都煌煌，假我明光。曲陽攜攜，亦朱其堂。新都亢極，作亂以亡。述元后傳第六十八。 |
| | The mother of the first empress was pregnant when a lunar omen appeared as an auspicious sign. During Emperor Cheng's reign, power devolved to his maternal uncles. Yangping wielded authority and even executed high-ranking officials. Chengdu shone brightly, falsely claiming the brilliance of our dynasty's light. Quyang moved stealthily and also marked their hall with red, a symbol of imperial authority. Xindu reached the height of arrogance, inciting rebellion before ultimately perishing. The Biography of Empress Yuanhou, Sixty-eighth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
咨爾賊臣，篡漢滔天，行驕夏癸，虐烈商辛。偽稽黃、虞，繆稱典文，眾怨神怒，惡復誅臻。百王之極，究其姦昏。述王莽傳第六十九。 |
| | Alas, you traitorous ministers who usurped the Han throne with crimes reaching to Heaven—your arrogance surpassed that of Xia King Jie and your cruelty matched that of Shang King Zhou. You falsely claimed descent from Huangdi and the Yu, misleadingly citing classical texts; the people's resentment and Heaven's wrath led to your deserved punishment. The ultimate failure of all rulers lies in their investigation into treachery and corruption. The Biography of Wang Mang, Sixty-ninth Chapter.
|
| | 敘傳下: |
凡漢書，敘帝皇，列官司，建侯王。準天地，統陰陽，闡元極，步三光。分州域，物土疆，窮人理，該萬方。緯六經，綴道綱，總百氏，贊篇章。函雅故，通古今，正文字，惟學林。述敘傳第七十。 |
| | The Book of Han records emperors and kings, lists officials and institutions, and establishes the ranks of marquises and dukes. It aligns with Heaven and Earth, unifies Yin and Yang, explains the ultimate principle, and tracks the movements of the sun, moon, and stars. It divides provinces and territories, defines land boundaries, explores human affairs, and encompasses all regions under Heaven. It weaves through the Six Classics, connects moral principles, compiles a hundred schools of thought, and praises their chapters and verses. It contains refined learning from past and present, corrects characters and words, and serves as the foundation for scholarly pursuits. The Biography of Narrative Records, Seventieth Chapter.
|
