| | 郭杜孔張... : |
郭伋字細侯，扶風茂陵人也。高祖父解，武帝時以任俠聞。父梵，為蜀郡太守。伋少有志行，哀平閒辟大司空府，三遷為漁陽都尉。王莽時為上谷大尹，遷并州牧。 |
| | Guo Ji, courtesy name Xi Hou, was a native of Maoling, Fufeng. His great-great-grandfather Guo Jie was renowned for his chivalry during the reign of Emperor Wu. His father, Guo Fan, served as governor of Shu Jun. Guo Ji was young and had lofty aspirations; during the reigns of Emperor Ai and Emperor Ping, he was appointed to the Office of the Grand Works Minister. He was promoted three times and became the Duwei of Yuyang. During Wang Mang's reign, he served as Da Yin of Shanggu and later was transferred to become the Inspector of Bingzhou.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
更始新立，三輔連被兵寇，百姓震駭，強宗右姓各擁眾保營，莫肯先附。更始素聞伋名，徵拜左馮翊，使鎮撫百姓。世祖即位，拜雍州牧，再轉為尚書令，數納忠諫爭。 |
| | When the newly established regime of Gengshi, the three Fu regions were repeatedly attacked by bandits and soldiers. The common people were greatly frightened, and powerful clans and influential families each gathered their followers to defend themselves in camps, none willing to submit first. Gengshi had long heard of Guo Ji's reputation and summoned him to serve as Zuo Fengyi, sending him to pacify the people. After Emperor Shizu ascended the throne, he was appointed as Inspector of Yongzhou. He later transferred twice and became Minister of the Secretariat, repeatedly offering loyal advice and remonstrations.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
建武四年，出為中山太守。明年，彭寵滅，轉為漁陽太守。漁陽既離王莽之亂，重以彭寵之敗，民多猾惡，寇賊充斥。伋到，示以信賞，糾戮渠帥，盜賊銷散。時匈奴數抄郡界，邊境苦之。伋整勒士馬，設攻守之略，匈奴畏憚遠跡，不敢復入塞，民得安業。在職五歲，戶口增倍。後潁川盜賊群起，九年，徵拜潁川太守。召見辭謁，帝勞之曰：「賢能太守，去帝城不遠，河潤九里，冀京師并蒙福也。君雖精於追捕，而山道險阨，自鬥當一士耳，深宜慎之。」伋到郡，招懷山賊陽夏趙宏、襄城召吳等數百人，皆束手詣伋降，悉遣歸附農。因自劾專命，帝美其策，不以咎之。後宏、吳等黨與聞伋威信，遠自江南，或從幽、冀，不期俱降，駱驛不絕。 |
| | In Jianwu year four (April 28 AD), he was dispatched to serve as governor of Zhongshan Jun. The following year, after Peng Chong's forces were defeated, Guo Ji was transferred to become governor of Yuyang Jun. After Yuyang had suffered from the turmoil under Wang Mang, and further devastated by Peng Chong's defeat, many of its people were deceitful and wicked, with bandits filling the region. When Guo Ji arrived, he demonstrated trustworthy rewards, investigated and executed the ringleaders, causing bandits to disperse. At that time, the Xiongnu frequently raided the borders of the commandery, causing great hardship for those living along the frontier. Guo Ji organized and trained his soldiers and horses, devising strategies for both attack and defense. The Xiongnu feared him greatly and withdrew far away, daring not to enter the frontier again; thus, the people were able to live in peace and pursue their livelihoods. During his five years in office, the population doubled. Later, when bandits rose up en masse in Yingchuan, in Jianwu year nine (April 33 AD), Guo Ji was summoned and appointed as governor of Yingchuan Jun. When summoned for an audience and bidding farewell, the emperor comforted him by saying: "A virtuous and capable governor, you are not far from the imperial capital. The He River flows through nine li, I hope that both the capital and the court will be blessed." "Although you are skilled in pursuing and capturing criminals, the mountain paths are perilous and narrow. In a fight, you can only contend with one man at a time; therefore, you must be especially cautious." When Guo Ji arrived at the commandery, he recruited and won over several hundred mountain bandits, including Yang Xia's Zhao Hong and Xiao Wu of Xiangcheng. They all surrendered to him with their hands bound behind their backs and were sent back to resume farming. He then voluntarily submitted a self-censure for acting on his own authority, but the emperor praised his strategy and did not hold it against him. Later, the associates of Zhao Hong and Xiao Wu heard about Guo Ji's authority and reputation. From afar in Jiangnan or from Youzhou and Jizhou, they all came to surrender without prior arrangement; caravans arrived continuously without interruption.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
十一年，省朔方刺史屬并州。帝以盧芳據北土，乃調伋為并州牧。過京師謝恩，帝即引見，并召皇太子諸王宴語終日，賞賜車馬衣服什物。伋因言選補眾職，當簡天下賢俊，不宜專用南陽人。帝納之。伋前在并州，素結恩德，及後入界，所到縣邑，老幼相攜，逢迎道路。所過問民疾苦，聘求耆德雄俊，設几杖之禮，朝夕與參政事。 |
| | In Jianwu year eleven (April 35 AD), the Inspector of Shuping was transferred under Bingzhou's jurisdiction. The emperor, because Lu Fang occupied the northern territories, transferred Guo Ji to serve as Inspector of Bingzhou. While passing through the capital to express gratitude, the emperor immediately summoned him for an audience. The emperor also invited the Crown Prince and various princes for a banquet that lasted all day, bestowing gifts of carriages, horses, clothing, and daily necessities. Guo Ji then suggested that when selecting officials for various posts, the court should choose virtuous and talented people from throughout the empire, rather than exclusively appointing people from Nanyang. The emperor accepted his suggestion. Previously, when Guo Ji served in Bingzhou, he had long established bonds of kindness and virtue. When he later returned to the region, wherever he went within the commandery's boundaries, the elderly and young alike came together hand-in-hand to greet him along the roads. Wherever he passed, he inquired about the people's hardships and difficulties, seeking out elderly men of virtue and outstanding talents. He arranged respectful ceremonies with mats and canes, consulting them on political affairs morning and evening.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
始至行部，到西河美稷，有童兒數百，各騎竹馬，道次迎拜。伋問「兒曹何自遠來」。對曰：「聞使君到，喜，故來奉迎。」伋辭謝之。及事訖，諸兒復送至郭外，問「使君何日當還」。伋謂別駕從事，計日當告之。行部既還，先期一日，伋為違信於諸兒，遂止于野亭，須期乃入。 |
| | When he first arrived to inspect his jurisdictional area, upon reaching Meiji in Xhe River, hundreds of children rode bamboo horses and lined the road to greet and bow before him. Guo Ji asked, "Why have you children come from afar?" They replied, "We heard that the magistrate has arrived and are delighted; therefore, we came to welcome him." Guo Ji politely declined their gesture. After the matter was completed, the children once again escorted him beyond the city walls and asked, "When will the magistrate return?" Guo Ji told his assistant official in charge of travel arrangements to calculate the date and inform them. After completing his inspection tour, Guo Ji returned a day earlier than scheduled. Feeling that he had broken his promise to the children, he stopped at a roadside pavilion and did not enter the city until the agreed-upon date.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
是時朝廷多舉伋可為大司空，帝以并部尚有盧芳之儆，且匈奴未安，欲使久於其事，故不召。伋知盧芳夙賊，難卒以力制，常嚴烽候，明購賞，以結寇心。芳將隋昱遂謀脅芳降伋，芳乃亡入匈奴。 |
| | At that time, many in the imperial court recommended Guo Ji as suitable for the position of Grand Works Minister. However, the emperor considered that there was still a threat from Lu Fang in Bingzhou and the Xiongnu had not yet been pacified; he wished for Guo Ji to remain longer in his post, so did not summon him. Guo Ji knew that Lu Fang was a long-standing bandit and difficult to subdue by force alone. He therefore maintained strict watch over the beacon towers, clearly announced rewards for capturing criminals, in order to win over the bandits' hearts. Lu Fang's general Sui Yu then plotted to force Lu Fang into surrendering to Guo Ji, so Lu Fang fled and entered the territory of the Xiongnu.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
伋以老病上書乞骸骨。二十二年，徵為太中大夫，賜宅一區，及帷帳錢穀，以充其家，伋輒散與宗親九族，無所遺餘。明年卒，時年八十六。帝親臨弔，賜冢塋地。 |
| | Guo Ji submitted a memorial requesting retirement on grounds of old age and illness. In Jianwu year twenty-two (April 46 AD), he was summoned to serve as Taizhong Dafu, and was granted a residence, along with money, grain, and curtains to support his household. Guo Ji immediately distributed all these gifts among his relatives and extended family, leaving nothing remaining. The following year he died at the age of eighty-six. The emperor personally attended his funeral, bestowing a burial site for him.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
杜詩字公君，河內汲人也。少有才能，仕郡功曹，有公平稱。更始時，辟大司馬府。建武元年，歲中三遷為侍御史，安集洛陽。時將軍蕭廣放縱兵士，暴橫民閒，百姓惶擾，詩敕曉不改，遂格殺廣，還以狀聞。世祖召見，賜以棨戟，復使之河東，誅降逆賊楊異等。詩到大陽，聞賊規欲北度，乃與長史急焚其船，部勒郡兵，將突騎趁擊，斬異等，賊遂翦滅。拜成皋令，視事三歲，舉政尤異。再遷為沛郡都尉，轉汝南都尉，所在稱治。 |
| | Du Shi, courtesy name Gongjun, was a native of Ji, Hedong. From an early age he showed talent and ability; serving as gongcao in the commandery administration, he earned a reputation for fairness. During Gengshi's reign, Du Shi was appointed to serve in the Office of the Grand Marshal. In Jianwu year one (April 25 AD), within a single year he was promoted three times to become Shiyushi, tasked with pacifying Luoyang. At that time, General Xiao Guang was allowing his soldiers to act recklessly and behave brutally among the people, causing public alarm. Du Shi ordered him to cease such behavior but saw no change; he then had Xiao Guang executed on the spot and reported the incident to the emperor. Emperor Shizu summoned him for an audience, bestowed on him a ceremonial halberd and spear, and then sent him to Hedong to suppress and subdue the rebellious bandit Yang Yi and others. Du Shi arrived at Dayang and learned that the bandits were planning to cross northward. He immediately acted with his chief clerk, burning their boats quickly, organized the commandery's troops, led a sudden cavalry attack, beheaded Yang Yi and others, and thus completely eliminated the bandit forces. He was appointed as magistrat of Chenggao, and during his three years in office, he achieved particularly outstanding governance results. He was promoted twice to become Duwei of Pei Jun, then transferred to serve as Duwei of Ruanan, and wherever he served, his administration was praised.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
七年，遷南陽太守。性節儉而政治清平，以誅暴立威，善於計略，省愛民役。造作水排，鑄為農器，用力少，見功多，百姓便之。又修治陂池，廣拓土田，郡內比室殷足。時人方於召信臣，故南陽為之語曰：「前有召父，後有杜母。」 |
| | In Jianwu year seven (April 31 AD), he was promoted to governor of Nanyang Jun. He had a nature of frugality and governed with clarity and fairness, establishing authority by punishing the violent. He was skilled in planning and strategy, and cared for his people by reducing their burdens. He invented water-powered bellows to cast agricultural tools; this method required less labor but produced greater results, and the people found it convenient. He also repaired dikes and ponds, expanded cultivated land, so that every household within the commandery prospered with abundance. At the time, people compared him to Zhao Xinchén; thus, Nanyang had a saying: "Before was Father Zhao, now is Mother Du."
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
詩自以無勞，不安久居大郡，求欲降避功臣，乃上疏曰： |
| | Du Shi considered himself to have achieved no great merit and felt uneasy about holding a major commandery for too long. He wished to step down in favor of meritorious officials, so he submitted a memorial stating:
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
陛下亮成天工，克濟大業，偃兵脩文，群帥反旅，海內合和，萬世蒙福，天下幸甚。唯匈奴未譬聖德，威侮二垂，陵虐中國，邊民虛耗，不能自守，臣恐武猛之將雖勤，亦未得解甲櫜弓也。夫勤而不息亦怨，勞而不休亦怨，怨恨之師，難復責功。臣伏睹將帥之情，功臣之望，冀一休足於內郡，然後即戎出命，不敢有恨。臣愚以為「師克在和不在眾」，陛下雖垂念北邊，亦當頗泄用之。昔湯武善御眾，故無忿鷙之師。陛下起兵十有三年，將帥和睦，士卒鳧竡。今若使公卿郡守出於軍壘，則將帥自厲；士卒之復，比於宿衛，則戎士自百。何者？天下已安，各重性命，大臣以下，咸懷樂土，不讎其功而厲其用，無以勸也。陛下誠宜虛缺數郡，以俟振旅之臣，重復厚賞，加於久役之士。如此，緣邊屯戍之師，競而忘死，乘城拒塞之吏，不辭其勞，則烽火精明，守戰堅固。聖王之政，必因人心。今猥用愚薄，塞功臣之望，誠非其宜。 |
| | Your Majesty has demonstrated the wisdom of Heaven, accomplished great achievements, laid down arms and promoted culture. The commanders have returned from their campaigns; within the empire harmony prevails, future generations will benefit, and this is a blessing for all under heaven. Only the Xiongnu have yet to recognize Your Majesty's virtuous rule, and they continue to threaten both frontiers with their arrogance, oppressing the central lands. Border civilians are exhausted and unable to defend themselves; I fear that even the most valiant generals, though diligent, will not be able to lay down arms or put away bows for a long time. Continuous labor without rest breeds resentment, and prolonged toil without respite also causes resentment; an army burdened with such grievances cannot be expected to achieve success. I have observed the feelings of generals and commanders, as well as the aspirations of meritorious officials; they hope to take a brief rest within an interior commandery before resuming military duties. They would not harbor resentment if granted this opportunity. In my humble opinion, "The success of an army lies in harmony, not numbers." Although Your Majesty is concerned about the northern frontier, it would also be wise to allow some relief and rotation for the troops. In ancient times, Kings Tang and Wu were skilled in managing their armies, thus they had no forces filled with resentment or ferocity. Your Majesty has led military campaigns for thirteen years; the generals and commanders have remained harmonious, and soldiers are united in loyalty. Now, if high-ranking officials and commandery governors were to emerge from the ranks of the military, then generals would naturally be motivated; If soldiers' benefits are comparable to those of palace guards, then martial men will willingly serve in their hundreds. Why is this so? Now that the empire has been pacified, people value their lives. Officials at all levels, including high ministers, yearn for a peaceful land. If their merits are not recognized and their contributions not rewarded, there will be no incentive to encourage them. Your Majesty should genuinely consider leaving several commanderies vacant, awaiting the return of those who have completed their military campaigns. Generous rewards and benefits should be given to soldiers who have served for a long time. In this way, the garrison forces along the borders will compete eagerly and forget death; officials defending cities and passes will not shy away from hardship. Then beacon signals will be precise and clear, and defenses in both peace and war will remain strong. The governance of a sage ruler must follow the hearts and minds of the people. Now, to appoint someone as foolish and unremarkable as I am is to block the aspirations of meritorious subjects; this would truly be inappropriate.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
臣詩伏自惟忖，本以史吏一介之才，遭陛下創制大業，賢俊在外，空乏之閒，超受大恩，收養不稱，奉職無效，久竊祿位，令功臣懷慍，誠惶誠恐。八年，上書乞避功德，陛下殊恩，未許放退。臣詩蒙恩尤深，義不敢苟冒虛請，誠不勝至願，願退大郡，受小職。及臣齒壯，力能經營劇事，如使臣詩必有補益，復受大位，雖析珪授爵，所不辭也。惟陛下哀矜！ |
| | I, Du Shi, humbly reflect upon myself. I am but a man of modest talent and humble origins as an official scribe. Fortuitously, during Your Majesty's founding of great achievements, when virtuous men were stationed outside the capital and positions were vacant, I was unexpectedly favored with great grace. Yet my service has been inadequate, my duties unfulfilled; for too long have I held office without merit, causing meritorious subjects to harbor resentment. I am truly frightened and fearful. In Jianwu year eight (April 32 AD), I submitted a memorial requesting to step aside in favor of those more meritorious, but Your Majesty, out of special grace, did not permit my retirement. I, Du Shi, have received Your Majesty's special grace in an especially deep manner. By righteousness I dare not recklessly make false requests; my sincere wish is too great to bear. I humbly request to relinquish the major commandery and accept a minor post instead. When my teeth are strong and I am physically capable of managing difficult affairs, if it is deemed that I can still contribute to the state, and should I be entrusted with a high position again, even if granted jade seals or noble titles, I would not refuse. I only beg Your Majesty's compassion!
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
帝惜其能，遂不許之。 |
| | The emperor valued his abilities and thus did not approve the request.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
詩雅好推賢，數進知名士清河劉統及魯陽長董崇等。 |
| | Du Shi had a refined habit of recommending virtuous talents, frequently recommending well-known figures such as Liu Tong from Qinghe and Dong Chong, the magistrat of Luyang.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
初，禁網尚簡，但以璽書發兵，未有虎符之信，詩上疏曰：「臣聞兵者國之凶器，聖人所慎。舊制發兵，皆以虎符，其餘徵調，竹使而已。符第合會，取為大信，所以明著國命，斂持威重也。閒者發兵，但用璽書，或以詔令，如有姦人詐偽，無由知覺。愚以為軍旅尚興，賊虜未殄，徵兵郡國，宜有重慎，可立虎符，以絕姦端。昔魏之公子，威傾鄰國，猶假兵符，以解趙圍，若無如姬之仇，則其功不顯。事有煩而不可省，費而不得已，蓋謂此也。」書奏，從之。 |
| | Initially, the system for military control was still simple; only imperial edicts were used to mobilize troops, without the use of tiger-shaped tokens as proof. Du Shi submitted a memorial saying: "I have heard that arms are an ominous instrument of the state and must be treated with caution by sage rulers." In former regulations, mobilizing troops required a tiger-shaped token; for other summonses or troop movements, only bamboo tokens were used. The matching of the token halves served as a great symbol of trust; this was to clearly demonstrate imperial authority and consolidate the weight of command. Recently, when mobilizing troops, only imperial seals or edicts have been used. If there are deceitful individuals who forge orders, there is no way to detect their fraud. I humbly suggest that since military campaigns are still ongoing and bandits or enemies have not yet been eradicated, when summoning troops from commanderies and states, there should be greater caution. It would be advisable to reinstate the use of tiger tokens in order to prevent fraudulent activities. In ancient times, the marquises of Wei held such power that their influence could sway neighboring states; yet they still relied on military tokens to relieve the siege at Zhao. If not for the enmity with Ruo Wuji, their achievements would not have been so prominent. There are matters that are complicated and cannot be simplified, or costly yet unavoidable—this is precisely what I mean." After the memorial was submitted, the emperor approved it.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
詩身雖在外，盡心朝廷，讜言善策，隨事獻納。視事七年，政化大行。十四年，坐遣客為弟報仇，被徵，會病卒。司隸校尉鮑永上書言詩貧困無田宅，喪無所歸。詔使治喪郡邸，賻絹千匹。 |
| | Although Du Shi served outside the capital, he remained devoted to the imperial court and offered sincere advice and sound strategies whenever appropriate. During his seven years in office, his governance and moral influence spread widely. In Jianwu year fourteen (April 40 AD), he was recalled for punishment due to having sent a guest to take revenge on behalf of his younger brother, but before this could happen, he died from illness. Sili Jiaoyue Bao Yong submitted a memorial stating that Du Shi had been poor and without land or property, and thus had nowhere to return for his funeral. The emperor issued an edict ordering the commandery residence to handle Du Shi's funeral arrangements and provided a grant of one thousand bolts of silk for mourning purposes.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
孔奮字君魚，扶風茂陵人也。曾祖霸，元帝時為侍中。奮少從劉歆受春秋左氏傳，歆稱之，謂門人曰：「吾已從君魚受道矣。」 |
| | Kong Fen, courtesy name Junyu, was a native of Maoling in Fufeng. His great-grandfather Kong Ba served as Shizhong during the reign of Emperor Yuan. Kong Fen was young when he studied the "Zuo Zhuan" commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals under Liu Xin. Liu Xin praised him, saying to his disciples: "I have already received instruction from Junyu."
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
遭王莽亂，奮與老母幼弟避兵河西。建武五年，河西大將軍竇融請奮署議曹掾，守姑臧長。八年，賜爵關內侯。時天下擾亂，唯河西獨安，而姑臧稱為富邑，通貨羌胡，市日四合，每居縣者，不盈數月輒致豐積。奮在職四年，財產無所增。事母孝謹，雖為儉約，奉養極求珍膳。躬率妻子，同甘菜茹。時天下未定，士多不修節操，而奮力行清絜，為眾人所笑，或以為身處脂膏，不能以自潤，徒益苦辛耳。奮既立節，治貴仁平，太守梁統深相敬待，不以官屬禮之，常迎於大門，引入見母。 |
| | During the turmoil of Wang Mang's reign, Kong Fen fled with his elderly mother and younger brother to Hexi in order to avoid the war. In Jianwu year five (April 29 AD), General Dou Rong of Hexi invited Kong Fen to serve as Yicao Yuan, and appointed him as acting magistrat of Guzang. In Jianwu year eight (March 32 AD), he was granted the title of Guannei Hou. At that time, the empire was in turmoil, but Hexi alone remained peaceful. Guzang was especially prosperous, trading goods with Qiang and Hu peoples; markets gathered four times a day. Those who served as magistrates there often accumulated great wealth within just a few months. Kong Fen held office for four years, yet his personal property did not increase at all. He was filial and careful in serving his mother; although he lived a simple life, he always sought the finest delicacies to provide for her care. He personally led his wife and children, sharing with them a modest diet of vegetables and coarse food. At that time, when the empire was still unsettled, many scholars neglected moral integrity. Yet Kong Fen diligently upheld a life of purity and virtue, which drew ridicule from others. Some said he had placed himself in an environment of wealth but failed to enrich himself, only adding hardship for no gain. After Kong Fen established his moral principles, he governed with benevolence and fairness. The governor of the commandery, Liang Tong, held him in great respect, treating him not as an official subordinate but instead greeting him at the main gate and bringing him in to meet his mother.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
隴蜀既平，河西守令咸被徵召，財貨連轂，彌竟川澤。唯奮無資，單車就路。姑臧吏民及羌胡更相謂曰：「孔君清廉仁賢，舉縣蒙恩，如何今去，不共報德！」遂相賦斂牛馬器物千萬以上，追送數百里。奮謝之而已，一無所受。既至京師，除武都郡丞。 |
| | After the regions of Longyou and Shu were pacified, all magistrates from Hexi were summoned to court. Their caravans of wealth stretched continuously across the plains and valleys. Only Kong Fen had no personal fortune; he traveled alone in a single cart. The officials, common people of Guzang, and the Qiang and Hu tribes said to one another: "Master Kong is upright, benevolent, and virtuous; his entire county has been blessed by his kindness. How can he now leave without us all joining together to repay his virtue!" They thus collected voluntarily, raising over ten thousand cattle, horses, and goods, and followed him for hundreds of miles to see him off. Kong Fen merely thanked them and accepted nothing at all. After arriving in the capital, he was appointed as Jun Cheng of Wudu Commandery.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
時隴西餘賊隗茂等夜攻府舍，殘殺郡守，賊畏奮追急，乃執其妻子，欲以為質。奮年已五十，唯有一子，終不顧望，遂窮力討之。吏民感義，莫不倍用命焉。郡多氐人，便習山谷，其大豪齊鍾留者，為群氐所信向。奮乃率厲鍾留等令要遮鈔擊，共為表裏。賊窘懼逼急，乃推奮妻子以置軍前，冀當退卻，而擊之愈厲，遂禽滅茂等，奮妻子亦為所殺。世祖下詔褒美，拜為武都太守。 |
| | At that time, remnants of the bandits in Longxi, including Wei Mao, attacked the government offices at night and killed the commandery governor. The bandits feared Kong Fen's pursuit and thus captured his wife and children to use as hostages. Kong Fen was already fifty years old, with only one son; yet he never hesitated or looked back, and thus exerted all his strength to pursue the bandits. The officials and common people were moved by his righteousness and loyalty, and none failed to fight with doubled determination. The commandery had many Di people who were skilled in navigating mountainous terrain. Among them, the powerful leader Qi Zhongliu was trusted and followed by all the Di tribes. Kong Fen thus led and inspired Qi Zhongliu and others, ordering them to set up ambushes in key locations for attacks, coordinating their efforts as a unified front. The bandits, cornered and desperate, pushed Kong Fen's wife and children forward to place them before the army in hopes of making the forces retreat. However, the attack became even fiercer, and eventually Wei Mao and others were captured or killed; Kong Fen's wife and children were also slain by the bandits. Emperor Shizu issued an edict to commend him, appointing him as Tai Shou of Wudu Commandery.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
奮自為府丞，已見敬重，及拜太守，舉郡莫不改操。為政明斷，甄善疾非，見有美德，愛之如親，其無行者，忿之若讎，郡中稱為清平。 |
| | Since Kong Fen had already been respected when he served as Jun Cheng, and upon his appointment as Tai Shou, the entire commandery saw no one fail to reform their conduct. He governed with clear judgment, distinguishing the virtuous from the wicked. He loved those of noble character as his own family and hated those without virtue as enemies. The commandery praised him for bringing justice and fairness.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
弟奇，游學洛陽。奮以奇經明當仕，上病去官，守約鄉閭，卒于家。奇博通經典，作春秋左氏刪。奮晚有子嘉，官至城門校尉，作左氏說云。 |
| | His younger brother, Kong Qi, traveled to Luoyang to study. Kong Fen believed that his brother Kong Qi was well-versed in the classics and should take office, so he submitted a report citing illness to resign from his post. He lived modestly among his fellow villagers until he died at home. Kong Qi was broadly learned in the classics and authored a condensed version of the "Zuo Zhuan" commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annal. Kong Fen had a son, Kong Jia, later in life, who held office as Chengmen Xiaowei and wrote commentaries on the "Zuo Zhuan," it is said.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
張堪字君游，南陽宛人也，為郡族姓。堪早孤，讓先父餘財數百萬與兄子。年十六，受業長安，志美行厲，諸儒號曰「聖童」。 |
| | Zhang Kan, courtesy name Junyou, was a native of Wan, Nanyang, and belonged to one of the prominent families in the commandery. Zhang Kan lost his father at an early age and gave away several hundred thousand in his father's remaining assets to his nephew. At the age of sixteen, he studied in Chang'an; with noble aspirations and exemplary conduct, the learned scholars called him the "Sage Child."
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
世祖微時，見堪志操，常嘉焉。及即位，中郎將來歙薦堪，召拜郎中，三遷為謁者。使送委輸縑帛，并領騎七千匹，詣大司馬吳漢伐公孫述，在道追拜蜀郡太守。時漢軍餘七日糧，陰具船欲遁去。堪聞之，馳往見漢，說述必敗，不宜退師之策。漢從之，乃示弱挑敵，述果自出，戰死城下。成都既拔，堪先入據其城，撿閱庫藏，收其珍寶，悉條列上言，秋毫無私。慰撫吏民，蜀人大悅。 |
| | When Emperor Shizu was still obscure, he had observed Zhang Kan's character and often praised him. After ascending the throne, Emperor Shizu appointed Zhang Kan upon recommendation by Zhonglangjiang Lai Xi. He was summoned and made Langzhong, later promoted three times to become Yezhe. He was sent to deliver silk and other goods, leading a force of seven thousand cavalry, to Grand Marshal Wu Han for the campaign against Gong Sun Shu. Along the way, he was appointed Tai Shou of Shu Commandery. At that time, General Wu Han's army had only seven days' worth of provisions left and secretly prepared boats to retreat. Zhang Kan learned about this, hurriedly went to see Wu Han, and argued that Gong Sun Shu would surely be defeated, advising against retreating. Wu Han followed his advice, feigning weakness to provoke the enemy. As expected, Gong Sun Shu personally led an attack and was killed under the city walls. After Chengdu fell, Zhang Kan was the first to enter and occupy the city. He inspected the treasury, collected its treasures, and meticulously listed them in a report for submission; not even the smallest item was kept for personal gain. He comforted and pacified the officials and people of Shu, which greatly pleased the local populace.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
在郡二年，徵拜騎都尉，後領票騎將軍杜茂營，擊破匈奴於高柳，拜漁陽太守。捕擊姦猾，賞罰必信，吏民皆樂為用。匈奴嘗以萬騎入漁陽，堪率數千騎奔擊，大破之，郡界以靜。乃於狐奴開稻田八千餘頃，勸民耕種，以致殷富。百姓歌曰：「桑無附枝，麥穗兩岐。張君為政，樂不可支。」視事八年，匈奴不敢犯塞。 |
| | After two years in office, he was summoned and appointed as Qiduwei. Later, he took command of General Du Mao's Piqiji Jun forces, defeating the Xiongnu at Gaoliu, and was then appointed Tai Shou of Yuyang Commandery. He captured and punished corrupt officials and lawless individuals, ensuring rewards and punishments were always carried out with integrity; both officials and commoners were willing to serve him. The Xiongnu once led ten thousand cavalry into Yuyang, but Zhang Kan personally led several thousand horsemen to attack them and achieved a decisive victory, restoring peace in the commandery. He then opened up over 8000 mu of rice fields at Hunu, encouraging the people to cultivate them, which led to great prosperity. The common people sang: "Mulberry trees grow without side branches; wheat ears split into two." "Governance by Master Zhang brings such joy, it is beyond measure." During his eight years in office, the Xiongnu dared not breach the frontier.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
帝嘗召見諸郡計吏，問其風土及前後守令能否。蜀郡計掾樊顯進曰：「漁陽太守張堪昔在蜀，其仁以惠下，威能討姦。前公孫述破時，珍寶山積，捲握之物，足富十世，而堪去職之日，乘折轅車，布被囊而已。」帝聞，良久歎息，拜顯為魚復長。方徵堪，會病卒，帝深悼惜之，下詔褒揚，賜帛百匹。 |
| | The emperor once summoned officials from various commanderies who were responsible for submitting reports, and asked about local customs, as well as the abilities of previous and current magistrates. Fan Xian, a Ju yuan from Shu Commandery, said: "The Tai Shou of Yuyang, Zhang Kan, when he was in Shu before, governed with benevolence that brought benefits to the people and wielded authority sufficient to punish evildoers. When the previous campaign against Gong Sun Shu ended, treasures were piled up like mountains. The wealth he could have taken was enough to enrich ten generations; yet on the day Zhang Kan left office, he departed in a cart with a broken yoke and nothing more than a cloth blanket and a simple satchel." Upon hearing this, the emperor remained silent for a long time before sighing deeply. He then appointed Fan Xian as magistrat of Yufu. Just as Zhang Kan was about to be summoned, he died from illness. The emperor deeply mourned and regretted his loss, issuing an edict of commendation and granting him a hundred bolts of silk.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
廉范字叔度，京兆杜陵人，趙將廉頗之後也。漢興，以廉氏豪宗，自苦陘徙焉。世為邊郡守，或葬隴西襄武，故因仕焉。曾祖父褒，成哀閒為右將軍，祖父丹，王莽時為大司馬庸部牧，皆有名前世。范父遭喪亂，客死於蜀漢，范遂流寓西州。西州平，歸鄉里。年十五，辭母西迎父喪。蜀郡太守張穆，丹之故吏，乃重資送范，范無所受，與客步負喪歸葭萌。載船觸石破沒，范抱持棺柩，遂俱沈溺。眾傷其義，鉤求得之，療救僅免於死。穆聞，復馳遣使持前資物追范，范又固辭。歸葬服竟，詣京師受業，事博士薛漢。京兆、隴西二郡更請召，皆不應。永平初，隴西太守鄧融備禮謁范為功曹，會融為州所舉案，范知事譴難解，欲以權相濟，乃託病求去，融不達其意，大恨之。范於是東至洛陽，變名姓，求代廷尉獄卒。居無幾，融果徵下獄，范遂得衛侍左右，盡心勸勞。融怪其貌類范而殊不意，乃謂曰：「卿何似我故功曹邪？」范訶之曰：「君困厄瞀亂邪！」語遂絕。融繫出困病，范隨而養視，及死，竟不言，身自將車送喪致南陽，葬畢乃去。 |
| | Lian Fan, courtesy name Shudu, was a native of Duling in Jingzhao and a descendant of the Zhao general Lian Po. After the Han dynasty rose to power, due to the Lian family's noble status, they moved from Kuxing to Duling. For generations, members of their family served as magistrates in border commanderies; some were buried in Xiangwu, Longxi, and thus the family settled there. His great-grandfather Lian Bao served as You Jiangjun during the reigns of Emperors Cheng and Ai. His grandfather, Lian Dan, was Da Sima Yongbu Mu under Wang Mang; both were renowned in their time. Lian Fan's father died during a period of turmoil while away from home in Shuhan, and so Lian Fan became a displaced person living in the western regions. After peace was restored to the western regions, he returned to his hometown. At fifteen years old, Lian Fan bid farewell to his mother and traveled westward to retrieve his father's remains. Zhang Mu, the Tai Shou of Shu commandery and a former subordinate of Lian Dan, offered generous gifts to Lian Fan. However, Lian Fan accepted nothing, instead traveling on foot with hired porters carrying his father's coffin back to Jiamei. The boat transporting the coffin struck a rock and sank, and Lian Fan clung desperately to his father's casket, drowning together with it. The crowd was moved by his filial devotion and searched for him, eventually rescuing him from the water; after treatment, he narrowly escaped death. Upon hearing of this, Zhang Mu hurriedly sent an envoy with the previous gifts to follow Lian Fan, but he firmly refused them again. After completing his mourning rites and returning the coffin for burial, he went to the capital to study under Doctor Xue Han. Both Jingzhao and Longxi commanderies successively invited him to take office; he refused all offers. In the early years of Yongping, Tai Shou Deng Rong of Longxi Commandery invited Lian Fan to serve as Gongcao with formal courtesy. However, at that time, Deng Rong was under investigation by the regional authorities. Knowing that the matter would lead to blame and could not be resolved easily, Lian Fan wanted to help him through indirect means, so he feigned illness and requested to leave. Deng Rong did not understand his intention and became greatly resentful toward him. Lian Fan then traveled east to Luoyang, changed his name and surname, and sought employment as a prison guard under the Tingwei. After only a short time, Deng Rong was indeed summoned and imprisoned; Lian Fan thus gained the position to serve by his side, devoting himself wholeheartedly to comfort and assist him. Deng Rong found it strange that his appearance resembled Lian Fan but did not recognize him, and said to him: "Are you by any chance my former Gongcao?" Lian Fan scolded him, saying: "Are you so distressed that your mind is confused!" Their conversation thus ended. When Deng Rong fell ill and was imprisoned in hardship, Lian Fan followed him to care for his needs. After Deng Rong's death, he did not reveal his identity but personally drove the cart carrying the coffin back to Nanyang, burying him before leaving.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
後辟公府，會薛漢坐楚王事誅，故人門生莫敢視，范獨往收斂之，吏以聞，顯宗大怒，召范入，詰責曰：「薛漢與楚王同謀，交亂天下，范公府掾，不與朝廷同心，而反收斂罪人，何也？」范叩頭曰：「臣無狀愚戇，以為漢等皆已伏誅，不勝師資之情，罪當萬坐。」帝怒稍解，問范曰：「卿廉頗後邪？與右將軍褒、大司馬丹有親屬乎？」范對曰：「褒，臣之曾祖；丹，臣之祖也。」帝曰：「怪卿志膽敢爾！」因貰之。由是顯名。 |
| | Later, Lian Fan was appointed to a government office. When Xue Han was executed for his involvement in the Prince of Chu affair, none of his former associates or students dared approach him. Only Lian Fan went alone to collect and bury his remains. The officials reported this to the emperor, who became furious and summoned Lian Fan into court, reprimanding him: "Xue Han conspired with the Prince of Chu and caused chaos throughout the empire. You are a yuanyuan in the public office, yet you did not align with the imperial court but instead buried a criminal—why?" Lian Fan kowtowed and said: "Your servant is a foolish and clumsy man, who mistakenly believed that Xue Han had already been executed. Unable to resist the feelings of respect for my teacher, I have committed an unforgivable crime." The emperor's anger gradually eased and he asked Lian Fan: "Are you a descendant of General Lian Po?" "Are you related to You Jiangjun Bao or Da Sima Dan?" Lian Fan replied: "Bao was my great-grandfather; Dan was my grandfather." The emperor said: "That is why I find your courage and resolve so remarkable!" He then pardoned him. From this, Lian Fan gained great renown.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
舉茂才，數月，再遷為雲中太守。會匈奴大入塞，烽火日通。故事，虜人過五千人，移書傍郡。吏欲傳檄求救，范不聽，自率士卒拒之。虜眾盛而范兵不敵。會日暮，令軍士各交縛兩炬，三頭奋火，營中星列。虜遙望火多，謂漢兵救至，大驚。待旦將退，范乃令軍中蓐食，晨往赴之，斬首數百級，虜自相轔藉，死者千餘人，由此不敢復向雲中。 |
| | He was recommended as a talented scholar and within several months was promoted twice to become Tai Shou of Yunzhong Commandery. At that time, the Xiongnu launched a large-scale invasion through the frontier, and beacon fires were lit daily. According to established practice, if the enemy exceeded five thousand men, an official message was sent to neighboring commanderies for assistance. The officials wanted to send a summons requesting aid, but Lian Fan refused and personally led the soldiers to resist them. Though the enemy was numerous, Lian Fan's forces were outmatched in numbers. As dusk fell, he ordered each soldier to tie two torches together and light them at three points so that the flames flared brightly, while the camp was arranged like a constellation of stars. The enemy saw the numerous fires from afar and mistakenly believed Han reinforcements had arrived, causing great alarm among them. As dawn approached and the enemy prepared to retreat, Lian Fan ordered his troops to eat while lying down. At first light, he led them in pursuit, killing hundreds of enemies. The Xiongnu trampled each other in panic, with over a thousand dead. From then on, they dared not again threaten Yunzhong.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
後頻歷武威、武都二郡太守，隨俗化導，各得治宜。建初中，遷蜀郡太守，其俗尚文辯，好相持短長，范每厲以淳厚，不受偷薄之說。成都民物豐盛，邑宇逼側，舊制禁民夜作，以防火災，而更相隱蔽，燒者日屬。范乃毀削先令，但嚴使儲水而已。百姓為便，乃歌之曰：「廉叔度，來何暮？不禁火，民安作。平生無襦今五恊。」在蜀數年，坐法免歸鄉里。范世在邊，廣田地，積財粟，悉以賑宗族朋友。 |
| | Later, he successively served as Tai Shou of Wuwei and Wudu commanderies, adapting to local customs and guiding the people accordingly; in each place, he achieved effective governance. During the Jianchu era, he was promoted to Tai Shou of Shu Commandory. The local custom valued eloquence and debate, with people often engaging in disputes over trivial matters. Lian Fan always emphasized sincerity and integrity, rejecting shallow and deceitful arguments. The people of Chengdu enjoyed abundant resources, but the city was densely populated. According to old regulations, night work by civilians was prohibited to prevent fires; however, people concealed their activities from one another, and fires continued to occur frequently. Lian Fan therefore abolished the previous decree and simply enforced strict measures for water storage instead. The people found this convenient, and sang: "When did Lian Shudu come? Why so late?" "He lifted the fire ban; we can work in peace." "Who once had no short coat now has five coats of silk." After several years in Shu, he was dismissed from office due to legal violations and returned to his hometown. Lian Fan had long served on the frontier; he cultivated extensive farmland, accumulated wealth and grain, which he used entirely to support his relatives and friends.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
肅宗崩，范奔赴敬陵。時廬江郡掾嚴麟奉章弔國，俱會於路。麟乘小車，塗深馬死，不能自進，范見而愍然，命從騎下馬與之，不告而去。麟事畢，不知馬所歸，乃緣蹤訪之。或謂麟曰：「故蜀郡太守廉叔度，好周人窮急，今奔國喪，獨當是耳。」麟亦素聞范名，以為然，即牽馬造門，謝而歸之。世伏其好義，然依倚大將軍竇憲，以此為譏。卒於家。 |
| | Emperor Suzong died, and Lian Fan hurriedly went to Jingling for the funeral rites. At that time, Yan Lin, an official of Lujiang Commandery, was sent with a memorial to mourn the emperor's death and met Lian Fan on the road. Yan Lin was riding in a small carriage, and due to the deep road conditions his horse died, leaving him unable to proceed. Lian Fan saw this and felt compassion; he ordered one of his attendants to dismount and give Yan Lin his horse, then left without telling him. After completing his duties, Yan Lin did not know where the horse had gone, so he followed its tracks to find it. Someone told Yan Lin: "The former Tai Shou of Shu, Lian Shudu, is known for his willingness to help people in urgent need. Now that he was rushing to mourn the emperor's death, it must have been him who gave you the horse." Yan Lin had long heard of Lian Fan's reputation and believed this to be true. He immediately led the horse to Lian's door, thanked him, and returned it. The world admired his kindness and righteousness; however, because he relied on the great general Dou Xian, people criticized him for this. He died at home.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
初，范與洛慶鴻為刎頸交，時人稱曰：「前有管鮑，後有慶廉。」鴻慷慨有義節，位至琅邪、會稽二郡太守，所在有異跡。 |
| | Initially, Lian Fan formed a deep bond of friendship with Luo Qinghong, and contemporaries praised them by saying: "In ancient times there were Guan Zhong and Bao Shu; in later times there are Qinghong and Lian." Luo Qinghong was generous and possessed a sense of righteousness; he held the positions of Tai Shou for Langya and Kuaiji commanderies, where in each place he left remarkable achievements.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
論曰：張堪、廉范皆以氣俠立名，觀其振危急，赴險阨，有足壯者。堪之臨財，范之忘施，亦足以信意而感物矣。若夫高祖之召欒布，明帝之引廉范，加怒以發其志，就戮更延其寵，聞義能徙，誠君道所尚，然情理之樞，亦有開塞之感焉。 |
| | Commentary: Zhang Kan and Lian Fan both established their reputations through a spirit of chivalry. Observing how they rescued those in peril and rushed into dangerous situations, there is much to admire about them. Zhang Kan's integrity when dealing with wealth, and Lian Fan's selflessness in offering help without seeking recognition—these qualities were sufficient to inspire trust and move others. As for Emperor Gaozu summoning Luan Bu, and Emperor Mingdi appointing Lian Fan—both used anger to provoke their resolve, and even in the face of execution, they extended favor. To hear of righteousness and be moved by it is indeed a virtue valued by rulers; yet within human emotions and reason lies an essential mechanism that can either open or block such responses.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
王堂字敬伯，廣漢郪人也。初舉光祿茂才，遷穀城令，治有名跡。永初中，西羌寇巴郡，為民患，詔書遣中郎將尹就攻討，連年不剋。三府舉堂治劇，拜巴郡太守。堂馳兵赴賊，斬虜千餘級，巴、庸清靜，吏民生為立祠。刺史張喬表其治能，遷右扶風。 |
| | Wang Tang, courtesy name Jingbo, was a native of Qi, Guanghan. Initially recommended as an outstanding talent by the Guanglu Office, he was later promoted to magistracy of Gucheng and achieved a reputation for effective governance. During the Yongchu era, the western Qiang tribes raided Ba Commandery and became a threat to the people. The imperial decree sent Zhonglangjiang Yin Jiu to attack them, but after several years, he failed to achieve victory. The three offices recommended Wang Tang for a difficult post, and he was appointed Tai Shou of Ba Commandery. Wang Tang rushed his troops to confront the bandits, killing over a thousand enemies. Ba and Yong regions became peaceful once more, and officials and commoners built a shrine in his honor. Cishi Zhang Qiao submitted a memorial praising Wang Tang's administrative abilities, and he was promoted to You Fufeng.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
安帝西巡，阿母王聖、中常侍江京等並請屬於堂，堂不為用。掾吏固諫之，堂曰：「吾蒙國恩，豈可為權寵阿意，以死守之！」即日遣家屬歸，閉閤上病。果有誣奏堂者，會帝崩，京等悉誅，堂以守正見稱。永建二年，徵入為將作大匠。四年，坐公事左轉議郎。復拜魯相，政存簡一，至數年無辭訟。遷汝南太守，搜才禮士，不苟自專，乃教掾吏曰：「古人勞於求賢，逸於任使，故能化清於上，事緝於下。其憲章朝右，簡覈才職，委功曹陳蕃。匡政理務，拾遺補闕，任主簿應嗣。庶循名責實，察言觀效焉。」自是委誠求當，不復妄有辭教，郡內稱治。時大將軍梁商及尚書令袁湯，以求屬不行，並恨之。後廬江賊迸入弋陽界，堂勒兵追討，即便奔散，而商、湯猶因此風州奏堂在任無警，免歸家。 |
| | When Emperor An toured the western regions, Empress Dowager Wang Sheng and Zhongchangshi Jiang Jing all requested to be assigned under Wang Tang's jurisdiction, but he did not employ them. His subordinates strongly advised him otherwise, but Wang Tang said: "I have been favored by the state; how could I possibly bend to the will of powerful favorites? I would rather die and uphold my principles!" On that day, he sent his family back home and locked himself in his residence, pretending to be ill. Indeed, there were false accusations against Wang Tang; however, before the matter was resolved Emperor An died, and Jiang Jing and others were all executed. Wang Tang was thus praised for his integrity and steadfastness. In the second year of Yongjian, he was summoned to serve as Jiangzuo Dajiang (Minister of Works). In the fourth year, due to an official matter, he was demoted and transferred to the position of Yilang. He was later reappointed as Lu Xiang (Governor of Lu), where he governed with simplicity and unity, so that for several years there were no complaints or lawsuits. He was promoted to Tai Shou of Ruhnan, where he sought talented individuals and treated scholars with courtesy. He did not act arbitrarily but instructed his subordinates: "The ancients worked hard in seeking virtuous people yet found ease in entrusting them with responsibilities; this is why they could achieve clarity at the top and order below." He entrusted the regulations of official conduct, the selection and verification of talents and positions, to Gongcao Chen Fan. To assist in governance and manage affairs, and to correct omissions and deficiencies, he appointed Zhubu Ying Si. "Thus we may ensure that names correspond with reality, and scrutinize words by observing results." From then on, he entrusted his sincerity to those who were properly qualified and no longer issued arbitrary instructions; the commandery was thus praised for its good governance. At that time, both the great general Liang Shang and the Shangshu Ling Yuan Tang were displeased because their requests for appointments had not been granted. Later, when bandits from Lujiang broke into Yiyang territory, Wang Tang led his troops in pursuit and the bandits quickly scattered. Nevertheless, Liang Shang and Yuan Tang still used this as an opportunity to report to the state that Wang Tang had served without any alerts during his tenure, resulting in his dismissal and return home.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
年八十六卒。遺令薄斂，瓦棺以葬。子稚，清行不仕。曾孫商，益州牧劉焉以為蜀郡太守，有治聲。 |
| | He died at the age of eighty-six. In his will, he ordered simple funeral arrangements and requested to be buried in a clay coffin. His son Wang Zhi maintained a life of moral integrity but chose not to hold office. His great-grandson, Wang Shang, was appointed Tai Shou of Shu by Liu Yan, the Yizhou Shuzhu (Governor), and earned a reputation for good governance.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
蘇章字孺文，扶風平陵人也。八世祖建，武帝時為右將軍。祖父純，字桓公，有高名，性強切而持毀譽，士友咸憚之，至乃相謂曰：「見蘇桓公，患其教責人，不見，又思之。」三輔號為「大人」。永平中，為奉車都尉竇固軍，出擊北匈奴、車師有功，封中陵鄉侯，官至南陽太守。 |
| | Su Zhang, courtesy name Ruwen, was a native of Pingling, Fufeng. His eighth-generation ancestor Su Jian served as You Jiangjun during the reign of Emperor Wu. His grandfather Su Chun, courtesy name Huangong, was renowned for his high moral standing. He had a strong and resolute character and held firm views on praise or criticism. Scholars and friends all respected him deeply; they even said to one another: "When we see Su Huagong, we fear being reprimanded by him; yet when he is not around, we miss him." He was hailed as "Daren" in the Three Fu regions. During the Yongping era, he served as a general under Dou Gu, the Fengche Duyi (Attendant-in-Waiting), and led campaigns against the northern Xiongnu and Cheshi. For his achievements, he was enfeoffed as Hou of Zhongling Xiang and held office up to Tai Shou of Nanyang.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
章少博學，能屬文。安帝時，舉賢良方正，對策高第，為議郎。數陳得失，其言甚直。出為武原令，時歲飢，輒開倉廩，活三千餘戶。順帝時，遷冀州刺史。故人為清河太守，章行部案其姦臧。乃請太守，為設酒肴，陳平生之好甚歡。太守喜曰：「人皆有一天，我獨有二天。」章曰：「今夕蘇孺文與故人飲者，私恩也；明日冀州刺史案事者，公法也。」遂舉正其罪。州境知章無私，望風畏肅。換為并州刺吏，以摧折權豪，忤旨，坐免。隱身鄉里，不交當世。後徵為河南尹，不就。時天下日敝，民多悲苦，論者舉章有幹國才，朝廷不能復用，卒于家。兄曾孫不韋。 |
| | Su Zhang was well-educated from a young age and skilled in writing prose. During the reign of Emperor An, he was recommended as a virtuous and upright talent; his responses to imperial examination questions ranked highly, and he became Yilang. He frequently presented his views on state affairs, offering both praise and criticism with great honesty. When he was transferred to serve as magistracy of Wuyuan, a year of famine occurred; he immediately opened the granaries and saved over three thousand households. During Emperor Shun's reign, he was promoted to Cishi of Jizhou. A former friend of his served as Tai Shou of Qinghe; Su Zhang investigated and exposed the man's corrupt practices during an official inspection tour. He then invited the magistracy, prepared wine and food, and reminisced about their past friendship with great joy. The Tai Shou happily said: "Everyone has one heaven above them; I alone have two heavens." Su Zhang replied: "Tonight, Su Ruwen and his old friend drinking together is a matter of private affection; Tomorrow, the Cishi of Jizhou investigating official matters will be bound by public law." He then proceeded to report and punish him according to the law. The people within the commandery knew Su Zhang was impartial, and thus respected and feared his authority even before he arrived. Later transferred to Cishi of Bingzhou, he offended the emperor by curbing powerful local elites and was consequently dismissed from office. He withdrew into seclusion in his hometown, avoiding contact with those in power. Later he was summoned to serve as Yinyi of Henan but declined the appointment. At that time, the empire was in decline and the people suffered greatly; those who commented on affairs recommended Su Zhang as a capable statesman. However, the court did not reappoint him, and he died at home. His nephew's great-grandson was Buwei.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
不韋字公先。父謙，初為郡督郵。時魏郡李暠為美陽令，與中常侍具瑗交通，貪暴為民患，前後監司畏其埶援，莫敢糾問。及謙至，部案得其臧，論輸左校。謙累遷至金城太守，去郡歸鄉里。漢法，免罷守令，自非詔徵，不得妄到京師。而謙後私至洛陽，時暠為司隸校尉，收謙詰掠，死獄中，暠又因刑其屍，以報昔怨。 |
| | Bu Wei, courtesy name Gongxian. His father Bu Qian initially served as Duyou of the commandery. At that time, Li Hao of Weiqu was serving as magistracy of Meiyang. He maintained close ties with Zhongchangshi Ju Yuan and became a corrupt tyrant oppressing the people. Previous and subsequent supervisors feared his power and connections, and dared not investigate or punish him. When Bu Qian arrived on duty, he investigated the case and uncovered Li Hao's corruption, sentencing him to be transferred for punishment at Zuoxiao (a penal institution). Bu Qian was repeatedly promoted until he became Tai Shou of Jincheng, and later left the commandery to return home. According to Han law, magistrates who had been dismissed or relieved of their posts could not enter the capital at will unless summoned by imperial decree. However, after his dismissal, Bu Qian secretly went to Luoyang. At that time Li Hao was serving as Sili Jiao Wei (Inspector of the Capital), who arrested and brutally interrogated Bu Qian until he died in prison. Afterward, Li Hao even subjected his corpse to further punishment out of revenge for past grievances.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
不韋時年十八，徵詣公車，會謙見殺，不韋載喪歸鄉里，瘞而不葬，仰天嘆曰：「伍子胥獨何人也！」乃藏母於武都山中，遂變名姓，盡以家財募劍客，邀暠於諸陵閒，不剋。會暠遷大司農，時右校芻廥在寺北垣下，不韋與親從兄弟潛入廥中，夜則鑿地，晝則逃伏。如此經月，遂得傍達暠之寢室，出其床下。值暠在廁，因殺其妾并及小兒，留書而去。暠大驚懼，乃布棘於室，以板籍地，一夕九徙，雖家人莫知其處。每出，輒劍戟隨身，壯士自衛。不韋知暠有備，乃日夜飛馳，徑到魏郡，掘其父阜冢，斷取阜頭，以祭父墳，又標之於市曰「李君遷父頭」。暠匿不敢言，而自上退位，歸鄉里，私掩塞冢槨。捕求不韋，歷歲不能得，憤恚感傷，發病歐血死。 |
| | Bu Wei was only eighteen at the time and had been summoned to attend an imperial examination. When he learned of his father's death, he brought the coffin back home, buried it temporarily without a formal funeral, and looked up to the sky in sorrow, exclaiming: "What kind of man is Wu Zixu?" He then hid his mother in the mountains of Wudu, changed his name and surname, used all his family's wealth to hire swordsmen, and attempted to ambush Li Hao among the tombs but failed. When Li Hao was transferred to Daisinong (Minister of Agriculture), the granary of Youxiao was located beneath the northern wall of his office. Bu Wei and several close relatives secretly entered the granary, digging underground at night and hiding during the day. After doing so for a month, they finally tunneled close enough to reach Li Hao's sleeping quarters and emerged from beneath his bed. At that moment, Li Hao was in the toilet; they killed his concubine and child, left a letter behind, and then departed. Li Hao was greatly alarmed and terrified; he scattered thorns in his room, placed wooden boards on the floor, and changed locations nine times within a single night. Not even his family knew where he had gone. Whenever he went out, he carried swords and halberds with him and was guarded by strong men for protection. Knowing that Li Hao was now on high alert, Bu Wei rode day and night to Weiqu, dug up his father's grave, severed the head of Li Hao's ancestor, used it to sacrifice at his father's tomb, then displayed it in the marketplace with a sign reading "The Head of Li Junqian's Father." Li Hao, too frightened to speak openly, voluntarily resigned from his post and returned home, secretly repairing the damaged grave. Despite extensive efforts to capture Bu Wei, they could not find him for an entire year. Li Hao became so enraged and distressed that he fell ill, vomited blood, and died.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
不韋後遇赦還家，乃始改葬，行喪。士大夫多譏其發掘冢墓，歸罪枯骨，不合古義，唯任城何休方之伍員。太原郭林宗聞而論之曰：「子胥雖云逃命，而見用強吳，憑闔廬之威，因輕悍之眾，雪怨舊郢，曾不終朝，而但鞭墓戮屍，以舒其憤，竟無手刃後主之報。豈如蘇子單特孑立，靡因靡資，強讎豪援，據位九卿，城闕天阻，宮府幽絕，埃塵所不能過，霧露所不能沾。不韋毀身燋慮，出於百死，冒觸嚴禁，陷族禍門，雖不獲逞，為報己深。況復分骸斷首，以毒生者，使暠懷忿結，不得其命，猶假手神靈以斃之也。力唯匹夫，功隆千乘，比之於員，不以優乎？」議者於是貴之。 |
| | Later, Bu Wei was pardoned and returned home; only then did he begin to properly bury his father and observe the mourning rites. Many scholars and officials criticized Bu Wei for excavating graves and holding the bones of the dead responsible, arguing that this violated ancient moral principles. Only He Xiu of Rencheng compared him to Wu Yuan (Wu Zixu). Guo Linzong of Taiyuan, upon hearing this, commented: "Although Wu Zixu fled for his life, he later gained power in the state of Wu. Relying on Ge Lu's authority and a group of bold warriors, he avenged his old grudge against the former capital Ying within a single morning. Yet all he did was whip the tomb and desecrate corpses to vent his anger, without ever personally killing the last ruler as true vengeance." How could this compare to Su Buwei, who stood alone and helpless, without support or resources? He confronted a powerful enemy with strong connections, yet the latter held an official position among the Nine Qing (high-ranking ministers). The imperial palace was as distant as heaven itself; the government offices were cut off in secrecy. Not even dust could reach them, nor could mist or dew touch their surroundings. Bu Wei risked his life and endured great anxiety, braving death a hundred times over. He violated strict prohibitions and endangered his entire family to the brink of disaster. Though he did not achieve complete revenge, it was still an act of deep personal loyalty. Moreover, by severing the head and scattering bones to torment the living, he caused Li Hao to die from accumulated anger. This was as if divine forces had taken his life through human hands. With the strength of a common man, he achieved what even a thousand chariots could not. Compared to Wu Zixu, is this not superior?" After hearing these words, those who debated and commented on the matter came to hold Bu Wei in high esteem.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
後太傅陳蕃辟，不應，為郡五官掾。初，弘農張奐睦於蘇氏，而武威段熲與暠素善，後奐熲有隙。及熲為司隸，以禮辟不韋，不韋懼之，稱病不詣。熲既積憤於奐，因發怒，乃追咎不韋前報暠事，以為暠表治謙事，被報見誅，君命天也，而不韋仇之。又令長安男子告不韋多將賓客奪舅財物，遂使從事張賢等就家殺之。乃先以鴆與賢父曰：「若賢不得不韋，便可飲此。」賢到扶風，郡守使不韋奉謁迎賢，即時收執，并其一門六十餘人盡誅滅之，諸蘇以是衰破。及段熲為陽球所誅，天下以為蘇氏之報焉。 |
| | Later, Tai Fu Chen Fan invited him for appointment, but he declined; instead, he served as Guanwuyuan of the commandery. Initially, Zhang Huan from Hongnong was friendly with the Su family; however, Duan Jing of Wuwei had long been close to Li Hao. Later, a rift developed between Zhang Huan and Duan Jing. When Duan Jing became Sili, he invited Bu Wei with courtesy; fearing him, Bu Wei claimed illness and did not attend. Duan Jing, already resentful toward Zhang Huan, became furious and thus held Bu Wei accountable for his previous revenge against Li Hao. He argued that since Li Hao had submitted a report concerning the Zhi Qian affair and was punished as a result—his fate decreed by heaven and sovereign authority—it was wrong of Bu Wei to take vengeance upon him. He also had a man from Chang'an report that Bu Wei had gathered many guests to seize his maternal uncle's property. Thus, he sent officials such as Zhang Xian to kill him at his home. Beforehand, he gave a poisoned drink to Zhang Xian's father and said: "If Zhang Xian fails in his mission of killing Bu Wei, you may drink this." When Zhang Xian arrived at Fufeng, the commandery governor had Bu Wei present himself to greet him. Immediately, he arrested Bu Wei and, along with more than sixty members of his family, executed them all. Because of this, the Su clan declined and was destroyed. Later, when Duan Jing was killed by Yang Qiu, people throughout the land regarded it as retribution for the Su family.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
羊續字興祖，太山平陽人也。其先七世二千石卿校。祖父侵，安帝時司隸校尉。父儒，桓帝時為太常。 |
| | Yang Xu, courtesy name Xingzu, was a native of Pingyang, Taishan. His ancestors had held the rank of two-thousand-dan officials or high-ranking military officers for seven generations. His grandfather, Qin, was Sili Jiao Wei during Emperor An's reign. His father, Ru, served as Taichang during the reign of Emperor Huan.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
續以忠臣子孫拜郎中，去官後，辟大將軍竇武府。及武敗，坐黨事，禁錮十餘年，幽居守靜。及黨禁解，復辟太尉府，四遷為廬江太守。後揚州黃巾賊攻舒，焚燒城郭，續發縣中男子二十以上，皆持兵勒陳，其小弱者，悉使負水灌火，會集數萬人，并埶力戰，大破之，郡界平。後安風賊戴風等作亂，續復擊破之，斬首三千餘級，生獲渠帥，其餘黨輩原為平民，賦與佃器，使就農業。 |
| | Yang Xu was appointed Langzhong because he was a descendant of loyal officials, and after resigning from office, he was invited to serve in the headquarters of General-in-Chief Dou Wu. When Dou Wu fell into disfavor, Yang Xu was implicated in the factional affair and banned from office for more than ten years. During this time, he lived in seclusion, maintaining a quiet life. After the ban on factionalists was lifted, Yang Xu was again invited to serve at the Taiwei's headquarters and was promoted four times to become governor of Lujiang. Later, when the Yellow Turban rebels in Yangzhou attacked Shu and burned down the city walls, Yang Xu mobilized all men aged twenty or older from the county, arming them and arranging them into formations. Those who were too young or weak he ordered to carry water for extinguishing fires. Gathering tens of thousands of people together, they combined their strength in battle and decisively defeated the rebels, restoring peace throughout the commandery's borders. Later, when rebels from Anfeng such as Dai Feng caused disturbances, Yang Xu once again defeated them, beheading more than 3,000 of their forces and capturing their leaders alive. He pardoned the remaining bandits, granting them farming tools and land so they could return to agricultural life as commoners.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
中平三年，江夏兵趙慈反叛，殺南陽太守秦頡，攻沒六縣，拜續為南陽太守。當入郡界，乃羸服閒行，侍童子一人，觀歷縣邑，採問風謠，然後乃進。其令長貪絜，吏民良猾，悉逆知其狀，郡內驚竦，莫不震懾。乃發兵與荊州刺史王敏共擊慈，斬之，獲首五千餘級。屬縣餘賊並詣續降，續為上言，宥其枝附。賊既清平，乃班宣政令，候民病利，百姓歡服。時權豪之家多尚奢麗，續深疾之，常敝衣薄食，車馬羸敗。府丞嘗獻其生魚，續受而懸於庭；丞後又進之，續乃出前所懸者以杜其意。續妻後與子祕俱往郡舍，續閉門不內，妻自將祕行，其資藏唯有布衾、敝袛裯，鹽、麥數斛而已，顧敕祕曰：「吾自奉若此，何以資爾母乎？」使與母俱歸。 |
| | In the third year of Zhongping (190 AD), Jiangxia soldiers such as Zhao Ci rebelled, killing Nanyang Tai Shou Qin Jie and capturing six counties. Yang Xu was then appointed governor of Nanyang. Before entering the commandery, he dressed plainly and traveled incognito with only one attendant. He visited each county and town to observe conditions and inquire about local customs and songs before proceeding further. He already knew in advance whether the magistrates were corrupt or upright, and whether their officials and commoners were honest or deceitful. The entire commandery was shocked; no one failed to be terrified. He then mobilized troops and joined forces with Wang Min, the Cizhushi of Jingzhou, to attack Zhao Ci. They killed him, capturing more than 5,000 heads. The remaining rebels from the subordinate counties all surrendered to Yang Xu, who then petitioned above for clemency toward those who had merely followed or been attached to them. After the rebels were pacified, Yang Xu issued and publicized government decrees, observing the people's hardships and needs. The common folk rejoiced and submitted willingly to his rule. At that time, powerful and wealthy families often indulged in luxury and extravagance. Yang Xu deeply despised this; he himself wore plain clothes, ate simple meals, and rode a worn-out carriage with an old horse. Once, the Fu Cheng presented him with live fish; Yang Xu accepted them but hung them in his courtyard. When the Fu Cheng later brought more fish, Yang Xu took out the previously displayed ones to dissuade him from further offerings. Later, Yang Xu's wife and his son Mi went to visit him at the commandery residence. He locked the door and refused them entry. His wife then took Mi away by herself. Their belongings consisted of only a cloth quilt, an old nightgown, and several dou of salt and wheat. Looking at Mi, she said: "I have lived in such poverty myself; how can I provide for your mother?" She sent him back with his mother.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
六年，靈帝欲以續為太尉。時拜三公者，皆輸東園禮錢千萬，令中使督之，名為「左騶」。其所之往，輒迎致禮敬，厚加贈賂。續乃坐使人於單席，舉縕袍以示之，曰：「臣之所資，唯斯而已。」左驂白之，帝不悅，以此不登公位。而徵為太常，未及行，會病卒，時年四十八。遺言薄斂，不受賵遺。舊典，二千石卒官賻百萬，府丞焦儉遵續先意，一無所受。詔書褒美，敕太山太守以府賻錢賜續家云。 |
| | In the sixth year of Zhongping, Emperor Ling wanted to appoint Yang Xu as Taiwei. At that time, those appointed to the Three Gong positions were required to pay ten million coins as a gift for the Dongyuan (Imperial Treasury), and an imperial envoy was sent to supervise it. This practice was known as "Zuoyou." Wherever the envoy went, he would be met with respectful greetings and generous gifts. Yang Xu then had a person sit on a single mat, holding up his patched robe to show the envoy and said: "All I have is this alone." Zuoyou reported this to the emperor, who was displeased. Because of this incident, Yang Xu did not attain a position among the Three Gong. He was later summoned to serve as Taichang, but before he could take up his post, he fell ill and died at the age of forty-eight. In his will, he requested a simple funeral with minimal burial goods and refused any mourning gifts or donations from others. According to the old regulations, officials of two-thousand dan rank who died in office were entitled to a mourning gift of one million coins. However, Fu Cheng Jiao Jian followed Yang Xu's wishes and accepted nothing at all. An imperial edict praised his virtue and ordered the Taishan Tai Shou to give the mourning money originally intended for Yang Xu's office to his family instead.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
賈琮字孟堅，東郡聊城人也。舉孝廉，再遷為京兆令，有政理跡。 |
| | Jia Cong, courtesy name Mengjian, was a native of Liaocheng, Dongjun. Recommended as a filial and upright official (Xiao Lian), he was promoted twice to become magister of Jingzhao Commandery, where he demonstrated effective governance.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
舊交阯土多珍產，明璣、翠羽、犀、象、玳瑁、異香、美木之屬，莫不自出。前後刺史率多無清行，上承權貴，下積私賂，財計盈給，輒復求見遷代，故吏民怨叛。中平元年，交阯屯兵反，執刺史及合浦太守，自稱「柱天將軍」。靈帝特敕三府精選能吏，有司舉琮為交阯刺史。琮到部，訊其反狀，咸言賦斂過重，百姓莫不空單，京師遙遠，告冤無所，民不聊生自活，故聚為盜賊。琮即移書告示，各使安其資業，招撫荒散，蠲復傜役，誅斬渠帥為大害者，簡選良吏試守諸縣，歲閒蕩定，百姓以安。巷路為之歌曰：「賈父來晚，使我先反；今見清平，吏不敢飯。」在事三年，為十三州最，徵拜議郎。 |
| | The old Jiaozhi region was rich in precious natural resources, including fine gemstones, emerald feathers, rhinoceroses, elephants, tortoiseshell, rare fragrances, and beautiful woods—all of which were native to the area. Previous and current Cizhushi (governors) of the region were mostly corrupt, serving above to powerful aristocrats while accumulating private bribes below. With their wealth sufficient, they would always seek early promotion or replacement, which led to resentment among officials and common people alike, resulting in rebellion. In the first year of Zhongping (184 AD), garrison troops in Jiaozhi rebelled, capturing the Cizhushi and Tai Shou of Hepu, and proclaimed themselves "Zhutian General." Emperor Ling specially ordered the Three Fu to carefully select capable officials. The relevant authorities recommended Jia Cong as Cizhushi of Jiaozhi. When Jia Cong arrived in the region, he investigated the reasons for the rebellion. All claimed that excessive taxation and levies had left the common people destitute. With the imperial court far away, they had nowhere to appeal their grievances. Unable to sustain themselves, they were forced to gather as bandits. Jia Cong immediately issued a notice, instructing people to return and settle their property. He recruited and pacified those who had fled or scattered in the countryside, exempted them from corvée labor, executed the ringleaders who caused great harm, selected capable officials to serve as magistrates of various counties, and within a year, restored order and brought peace to the people. The streets and alleys sang this song: "Jia Fu came too late; he made us rebel first; Now we see peace restored, officials dare not even eat our food." During his three years in office, he was considered the best among thirteen commanderies and states. He was summoned to serve as Yilang (a deliberative official).
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
時黃巾新破，兵凶之後，郡縣重斂，因緣生姦。詔書沙汰刺史、二千石，更選清能吏，乃以琮為冀州刺史。舊典，傳車驂駕，垂赤帷裳，迎於州界。及琮之部，升車言曰：「刺史當遠視廣聽，糾察美惡，何有反垂帷裳以自掩塞乎？」乃命御者褰之。百城聞風，自然竦震。其諸臧過者，望風解印綬去，唯癭陶長濟陰董昭、觀津長梁國黃就當官待琮，於是州界翕然。 |
| | At that time, after the Yellow Turbans had been defeated, in the aftermath of war and chaos, local magistrates imposed heavy levies, and corruption flourished. An imperial edict ordered the dismissal of corrupt Cizhushi officials and two-thousand-dan magistrates, replacing them with upright and capable ones. Jia Cong was thus appointed as Cizhushi for Ji Commandery. According to old regulations, a relay carriage with four horses and red curtains was prepared, and officials were to meet him at the borders of the commandery. When Jia Cong took up his post, as he was about to board the carriage, he said: "A Cizhushi should look far and listen widely, investigating both good and evil. How can one instead hang curtains to block out the view?" He then ordered his driver to remove them. The hundred cities, hearing of this action, were naturally awed and shaken. Those officials who had committed corruption or misconduct abandoned their seals and resigned upon hearing of his arrival. Only the magistrates of Yingtao, Dong Zhao from Ji Yin, and Guanjin, Huang Jiu from Liangguo, remained in office to await Jia Cong's judgment. Thus, order was restored throughout the commandery.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
靈帝崩，大將軍何進表琮為度遼將軍，卒於官。 |
| | After Emperor Ling died, General-in-Chief He Jin recommended Jia Cong as Du Liao Jiang Jun (commander of the northern frontier forces), where he eventually passed away in office.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
陸康字季寧，吳郡吳人也。祖父續，在獨行傳。父褒，有志操，連徵不至。 |
| | Lu Kang, courtesy name Jining, was a native of Wu, Wujun. His grandfather, Xu, is recorded in the biography of exemplary individuals (Duxing Zhuan). His father, Bao, was a man of high moral character and firm principles; he repeatedly declined official appointments.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
康少仕郡，以義烈稱，刺史臧旻舉為茂才，除高成令。縣在邊垂，舊制，令戶一人具弓弩以備不虞，不得行來。長吏新到，輒發民繕修城郭。康至，皆罷遣，百姓大悅。以恩信為治，寇盜亦息，州郡表上其狀。光和元年，遷武陵太守，轉守桂陽、樂安二郡，所在稱之。 |
| | Lu Kang began his career in the commandery at a young age and was known for his righteousness and courage. Cizhushi Zang Min recommended him as an outstanding talent (Maocai), and he was appointed governor of Gaicheng. The county lay on the frontier, and according to old regulations, each household had to provide a bow and crossbow for emergency defense, which could not be taken away. When new officials arrived in the county, they immediately mobilized the people to repair city walls and fortifications. Upon Lu Kang's arrival, he canceled all such orders and dismissed the conscripted laborers; the common people were greatly pleased. He governed with benevolence and trust, and banditry ceased as a result. The commandery and state authorities submitted reports praising his achievements. In the first year of Guanghe, he was promoted to Tai Shou of Wuling Commandery and later served as governor of Guiyang and Le'an commanderies. Wherever he went, he received praise from the people.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
時靈帝欲鑄銅人，而國用不足，乃詔調民田，畝斂十錢。而比水旱傷稼，百姓貧苦。康上疏諫曰：「臣聞先王治世，貴在愛民。省傜輕賦，以寧天下，除煩就約，以崇簡易，故萬姓從化，靈物應德。末世衰主，窮奢極侈，造作無端，興制非一，勞割自下，以從苟欲，故黎民吁嗟，陰陽感動。陛下聖德承天，當隆盛化，而卒被詔書，畝斂田錢，鑄作銅人，伏讀惆悵，悼心失圖。夫十一而稅，周謂之徹。徹者通也，言其法度可通萬世而行也。故魯宣稅畝，而蝝災自生；哀公增賦，而孔子非之。豈有聚奪民物，以營無用之銅人；捐捨聖戒，自蹈亡王之法哉！傳曰：『君舉必書，書而不法，後世何述焉？』陛下宜留神省察，改敝從善，以塞兆民怨恨之望。」書奏，內倖因此譖康援引亡國，以譬聖明，大不敬，檻車徵詣廷尉。侍御史劉岱典考其事，岱為表陳解釋，免歸田里。復徵拜議郎。 |
| | At that time, Emperor Ling wanted to cast bronze statues but lacked sufficient state funds; thus he issued an edict imposing a tax of ten coins per mu on farmland. However, frequent floods and droughts had damaged crops, leaving the common people in poverty and hardship. Lu Kang submitted a memorial to advise: "I have heard that in ancient times, wise rulers governed the world by valuing and protecting their people. They reduced corvée labor and lightened taxes to bring peace to the world, eliminated complexity in favor of simplicity, and thus promoted ease and clarity. Therefore, all the people followed their moral example, and auspicious phenomena responded to virtue." In later times, decadent rulers indulged in extreme luxury and excessive extravagance. They created endless frivolous projects and introduced numerous unnecessary regulations, imposing burdens on the common people to satisfy their selfish desires. Thus, the common folk lamented bitterly, and heaven and earth were moved by this suffering. Your Majesty, with your holy virtue inherited from heaven, should promote a flourishing era of moral influence. Yet suddenly an imperial edict has been issued to collect land money per mu for casting bronze statues. I read this and feel deeply distressed, my heart filled with sorrow at the loss of proper governance. The tax rate of one-tenth was called "che" in Zhou dynasty times. "The term 'che' means universal applicability, indicating that this system could be passed down and applied for all generations." Therefore, when Duke Xuan of Lu imposed a land tax, locust plagues arose naturally. When Duke Ai increased taxes, Confucius criticized him for it. How could one seize the people's property to build useless bronze statues; abandon the teachings of sages and follow the doomed policies of fallen kings! The Classic says: "Whenever a ruler takes action, it must be recorded. If such actions are not in accordance with the law, what will future generations recount?" Your Majesty should pay close attention and carefully examine these matters, reform corrupt practices, and follow virtue in order to quell the resentment of your people." After his memorial was submitted, palace favorites took advantage of the opportunity to accuse Lu Kang of citing examples from fallen states and comparing them to Your Majesty's enlightened rule, which they claimed was a grave act of disrespect. He was thus arrested in a cage cart and brought before Tingwei (the imperial court of justice). Shiyushi Liu Dai, who was responsible for examining the case, submitted a memorial on Lu Kang's behalf to explain and clarify the matter. As a result, he was pardoned and allowed to return home. He was later summoned again and appointed as Yilang.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
會廬江賊黃穰等與江夏蠻連結十餘萬人，攻沒四縣，拜康廬江太守。康申明賞罰，擊破穰等，餘黨悉降。帝嘉其功，拜康孫尚為郎中。獻帝即位，天下大亂，康蒙險遣孝廉計吏奉貢朝廷，詔書策勞，加忠義將軍，秩中二千石。時袁術屯兵壽春，部曲飢餓，遣使求委輸兵甲。康以其叛逆，閉門不通，內修戰備，將以禦之。術大怒，遣其將孫策攻康，圍城數重。康固守，吏士有先受休假者，皆遁伏還赴，暮夜緣城而入。受敵二年，城陷。月餘，發病卒，年七十。宗族百餘人，遭離飢厄，死者將半。朝廷愍其守節，拜子雋為郎中。 |
| | At that time, rebels from Lujiang such as Huang Rang joined forces with the Miao people of Jiangxia, uniting more than 100,000 men to attack and capture four counties. Lu Kang was appointed Tai Shou of Lujiang Commandery. Lu Kang clearly proclaimed rewards and punishments, defeated Huang Rang and his forces, and all remaining rebels surrendered. The emperor commended Lu Kang for his achievements and appointed his grandson, Shang, as Langzhong. After Emperor Xian ascended the throne and chaos spread throughout the land, Lu Kang sent filial and upright officials as tribute envoys to the imperial court despite the dangers. In response, an edict was issued praising his efforts, bestowing upon him the title of Zhongyi Jiangjun (General of Loyalty and Righteousness) with a rank equivalent to two-thousand dan. At that time, Yuan Shu stationed his troops in Shouchun, and due to hunger among his soldiers, he sent envoys requesting Lu Kang to supply weapons and armor. Lu Kang regarded Yuan Shu as a rebel and refused entry, closing his gates while strengthening military preparations in order to resist him. Yuan Shu was furious and sent his general Sun Ce to attack Lu Kang, surrounding the city with multiple layers of troops. Lu Kang held out resolutely; officials and soldiers who had previously taken leave returned secretly at night, climbing over the city walls to rejoin the defense. After enduring two years of siege, the city finally fell. More than a month later, he fell ill and died at the age of seventy. Over one hundred members of his clan suffered from famine and hardship, with nearly half perishing. The imperial court commiserated Lu Kang's loyalty and integrity, and appointed his son Jun as Langzhong.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
少子績，仕吳為鬱林太守，博學善政，見稱當時。幼年曾謁袁術，懷橘墯地者也，有名稱。 |
| | His youngest son, Ji, served in the state of Wu as Tai Shou of Yulin Commandery; he was erudite and capable in governance, earning praise during his time. As a child, he once visited Yuan Shu and dropped an orange from his sleeve—a story that earned him a reputation for filial piety.
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| | 郭杜孔張... : |
贊曰：伋牧朔藩，信立童昏。詩守南楚，民作謠言。奮馳單乘，堪駕毀轅。范得其朋，堂任良肱。二蘇勁烈，羊、賈廉能。季寧拒策，城隕衝輣。 |
| | Commentary: Guo Ji governed the northern frontier, establishing trust even among children and the unenlightened. Lu Kang defended southern Chu; the people sang ballads in his praise. Bravely riding alone, he was capable of pulling a broken yoke. Fan De gained loyal friends; Tang Ren served as a trusted minister. The two Sus were vigorous and resolute, while Yang and Jia were upright and capable. Ji Ning resisted Sun Ce; the city fell in a final desperate charge.
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