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《》曰：「天垂象，聖人則之。」宦者四星，在皇位之側，故周禮置官，亦備其數。閽者守中門之禁，寺人掌女宮之戒。又云「王之正內者五人」。月令：「仲冬，命閹尹審門閭，謹房室。」詩之小雅，亦有巷伯刺讒之篇。然宦人之在王朝者，其來舊矣。將以其體非全氣，情志專良，通關中人，易以役養乎？然而後世因之，才任稍廣。其能者，則勃貂、管蘇有功於楚、晉，景監、繆賢著庸於秦、趙。及其敝也，則豎刁亂齊，伊戾禍宋。 |
| | The Book of Changes says: "Heaven displays its phenomena; the sage follows them." The Four Stars of Eunuchs are located near the Emperor's position, so in the Rites of Zhou an official post was established, also accounting for their number. The gatekeepers guarded the prohibitions at the central gate, and the temple attendants were in charge of the regulations within the women's quarters. It also says, "Five persons serve as the king's chief attendants." The Monthly Ordinances state: "In the middle of winter, the eunuch minister is ordered to inspect doors and lanes, and be cautious about rooms and chambers." The Minor Odes in the Book of Songs also contain a chapter titled "Xiangbo," which satirizes slander. However, eunuchs serving in the imperial court have been around for a long time. Is it because their physical form is incomplete, their emotions and wills are pure and loyal, making them easy to connect with common people and thus suitable for service and care? However, later generations followed this practice, gradually expanding the range of roles and responsibilities assigned. Those who were capable include Bo Diao and Guan Su, who rendered service to the states of Chu and Jin; Jing Jian and Miu Xian, who distinguished themselves in Qin and Zhao. But when their corruption became evident, Shu Diao caused chaos in Qi, and Yi Li brought disaster to Song.
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漢興，仍襲秦制，置中常侍官。然亦引用士人，以參其選，皆銀璫左貂，給事殿省。及高后稱制，乃以張卿為大謁者，出入臥內，受宣詔命。文帝時，有趙談、北宮伯子，頗見親倖。至於孝武，亦愛李延年。帝數宴後庭，或潛游離館，故請奏機事，多以宦人主之。至元帝之世，史游為黃門令，勤心納忠，有所補益。其後弘恭、石顯以佞險自進，卒有蕭、周之禍，損穢帝德焉。 |
| | When the Han dynasty rose to power, it continued the Qin system and established the office of Zhongchangshi (Attendant-in-Ordinary). Yet they also appointed literati to participate in the selection process; all were adorned with silver tongs and left sable fur, serving within the palace halls. When Empress Dowager Gao assumed authority, she appointed Zhang Qing as Da Yezhe (Grand Attendant), allowing him to enter and exit the private quarters of the palace and convey imperial decrees. During Emperor Wen's reign, Zhao Tan and Beigong Bozi were quite favored by the emperor. By the time of Emperor Xiwu (Wu), he also loved Li Yannian. The emperor often held banquets in the inner court, or secretly visited pavilions away from the palace; therefore, many matters requiring urgent reports were entrusted to eunuchs. By the time of Emperor Yuan's reign, Shi You served as Huangmen Ling (Commander of the Yellow Gate), diligently offering loyal advice and making some contributions. Later, Hong Gong and Shi Xian advanced themselves through flattery and treachery; ultimately, they caused the calamities of Xiao and Zhou, tarnishing the emperor's virtue.
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中興之初，宦官悉用閹人，不復雜調它士。至永平中，始置員數，中常侍四人，小黃門十人。和帝即祚幼弱，而竇憲兄弟專總權威，內外臣僚，莫由親接，所與居者，唯閹宦而已。故鄭眾得專謀禁中，終除大憝，遂享分土之封，超登宮卿之位。於是中官始盛焉。 |
| | At the beginning of the revival (of the Han dynasty), eunuchs were exclusively appointed from among castrated men, no longer mixed with appointments from other officials. By the middle of Yongping era, official quotas were first established: four Zhongchangshi (Attendants-in-Ordinary) and ten Xiao Huangmen (Junior Yellow Gate Attendants). Emperor He, upon ascending the throne as a young and weak ruler, saw his power dominated by his uncles Dou Xian and his brothers; court officials inside and outside had no opportunity to approach him directly. The only people with whom he interacted were eunuchs. Thus, Zheng Zhong was able to devise plans within the palace, ultimately eliminating a great villain, and consequently received a fiefdom as reward, rising to an exalted position among palace officials. From then on, eunuchs began to hold significant power.
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自明帝以後，迄乎延平，委用漸大，而其員稍增，中常侍至有十人，小黃門二十人，改以金璫右貂，兼領卿署之職。鄧后以女主臨政，而萬機殷遠，朝臣國議，無由參斷帷幄，稱制下令，不出房闈之閒，不得不委用刑人，寄之國命。手握王爵，口含天憲，非復掖廷永巷之職，閨牖房闥之任也。其後孫程定立順之功，曹騰參建桓之策，續以五侯合謀，梁冀受鉞，跡因公正，恩固主心，故中外服從，上下屏氣。或稱伊、霍之勳，無謝於往載；或謂良、平之畫，復興於當今。雖時有忠公，而竟見排斥。舉動回山海，呼吸變霜露。阿旨曲求，則光寵三族；直情忤意，則參夷五宗。漢之綱紀大亂矣。 |
| | Since the reign of Emperor Ming, up to Yanting, their entrusted authority gradually increased; accordingly, the number was slightly expanded: Zhongchangshi reached ten people and Xiao Huangmen twenty. They were adorned with gold tongs and right sable furs, and also took on responsibilities in various 卿署 (ministerial offices). Empress Dowager Deng, as a woman ruling the government, faced numerous and pressing state affairs. Court ministers and national deliberations had no way to participate in decision-making within her private chambers; decrees issued by her did not extend beyond the palace walls, so she could not help but entrust eunuchs with matters of state. They held royal titles in their hands and wielded imperial authority through their words; they were no longer confined to the duties of palace attendants or the responsibilities within women's quarters. Later, Sun Cheng achieved the merit of establishing Emperor Shun's rule; Cao Teng participated in planning strategies for Emperor Huan. Subsequently, the Five Marquises conspired together, and Liang Ji received a ceremonial axe (symbolizing authority). Their actions were justified as upright, their favors deeply ingrained in the emperor's heart, so both inside and outside the court obeyed them, with all ranks holding their breath in awe. Some praised their achievements as comparable to those of Yi Jin and Huo Guang, not falling short of past records; or said that the strategies of Liang Ercai and Zhang Liang were revived in this era. Although there were occasionally loyal officials, they were ultimately excluded. Their actions could move mountains and seas; their breaths could change frost and dew. Those who flattered the emperor's will and sought favor by bending to it would bring glory and honor to all three generations of their family; those whose sincere feelings offended imperial intent were punished with collective execution, exterminating five generations of their clan. The Han dynasty's system and order had fallen into great disorder.
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若夫高冠長劍，紆朱懷金者，布滿宮闈；苴茅分虎，南面臣人者，蓋以十數。府署第館，棋列於都鄙；子弟支附，過半於州國。南金、和寶、冰紈、霧縠之積，盈仞珍臧；嬙媛、侍兒、歌童、舞女之玩，充備綺室。狗馬飾雕文，土木被緹繡。皆剝割萌黎，競恣奢欲。搆害明賢，專樹黨類。其有更相援引，希附權彊者，皆腐身熏子，以自衒達。同敝相濟，故其徒有繁，敗國蠹政之事，不可單書。所以海內嗟毒，志士窮棲，寇劇緣閒，搖亂區夏。雖忠良懷憤，時或奮發，而言出禍從，旋見孥戮。因復大考鉤黨，轉相誣染。凡稱善士，莫不離被災毒。竇武、何進，位崇戚近，乘九服之囂怨，協群英之埶力，而以疑留不斷，至於殄敗。斯亦運之極乎！雖袁紹龔行，芟夷無餘，然以暴易亂，亦何云及！自曹騰說梁冀，竟立昏弱。魏武因之，遂遷龜鼎。所謂「君以此始，必以此終」，信乎其然矣！ |
| | As for those wearing tall hats, carrying long swords, adorned with red silk and holding gold in their robes—these individuals were spread throughout the palace. Those who received fiefs, held military authority, and ruled as southern-facing ministers (i.e., sovereigns) could be counted in dozens. Their mansions and official residences were arranged like chess pieces across the capital and outlying regions; their sons, grandsons, and affiliated relatives outnumbered half the population of the states and commanderies. Their accumulated wealth included southern gold, rare treasures, fine silk, and gossamer fabrics, filling their treasuries to overflowing; their concubines, attendants, singing boys, and dancing girls filled the luxurious chambers in abundance. Their dogs and horses were adorned with carved decorations; their earthworks and buildings were draped in brocade and embroidered fabrics. All of this was achieved by exploiting the common people, indulging in extravagant desires without restraint. They framed and harmed upright officials, and exclusively promoted their own faction. Those who sought to associate with each other in order to attach themselves to powerful figures would all submit their bodies to castration, seeking self-promotion through flattery. Mutual corruption and support led to a proliferation of such individuals; the deeds by which they harmed the state and corrupted governance are too numerous to record individually. Thus, within the realm, people lamented their suffering; upright men withdrew in despair, and bandits took advantage of the chaos to rise up and disturb the entire land. Although loyal officials harbored anger, they occasionally rose in defiance; but as soon as they spoke out, calamity followed, and they were swiftly executed along with their families. This led to large-scale investigations into the so-called "Hook Party," with accusations spreading from one person to another through mutual denunciations. Anyone labeled as a virtuous scholar could not escape suffering and persecution. Dou Wu and He Jin, holding high positions as imperial relatives, took advantage of the widespread resentment across the empire and allied with the power of many capable men; yet due to their indecision and failure to act decisively, they ultimately met disastrous ends. Was this not the extreme consequence of fate! Although Yuan Shao acted recklessly and exterminated them without leaving a trace, replacing tyranny with chaos is still no improvement! Since Cao Teng persuaded Liang Ji to support the establishment of an inept and weak emperor, Cao Wei took advantage of this situation and thus transferred the mandate of heaven. This is what is meant by "a ruler who begins with such methods will inevitably end in them"—indeed, this proves to be true!
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鄭眾字季產，南陽犨人也。為人謹敏有心幾。永平中，初給事太子家。肅宗即位，拜小黃門，遷中常侍。和帝初，加位鉤盾令。 |
| | Zheng Zhong, courtesy name Jichan, was a native of Chou, Nanyang. He was cautious and quick-witted, with keen insight. In the middle of the Yongping era, he first served in the household of the crown prince. When Emperor Zong (Zhang) ascended the throne, Zheng Zhong was appointed Xiao Huangmen and later promoted to Zhongchangshi. In the early years of Emperor He's reign, he was granted the position of Goudun Ling (Commander of Hook Shield).
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時竇太后秉政，后兄大將軍憲等並竊威權，朝臣上下莫不附之，而眾獨一心王室，不事豪黨，帝親信焉。及憲兄弟圖作不軌，眾遂首謀誅之，以功遷大長秋。策勳班賞，每辭多受少，由是常與議事。中官用權，自眾始焉。 |
| | At that time, Empress Dowager Dou was in power; her brother the Grand General Dou Xian and others secretly seized authority. Court officials at all levels attached themselves to them, but Zheng Zhong alone remained wholeheartedly loyal to the imperial house, refusing to serve powerful factions. The emperor trusted him personally. When Dou Xian and his brothers plotted treason, Zheng Zhong took the initiative in planning their execution; for this service he was promoted to Dachangqiu (Grand Director of the Palace). When rewards were distributed in recognition of his contributions, he often declined much and accepted little. Because of this, he was frequently involved in deliberations on state affairs. The eunuchs' exercise of power began with Zheng Zhong.
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十四年，帝念眾功美，封為鄛鄉侯，食邑千五百戶。永初元年，和熹皇后益封三百戶。 |
| | In the fourteenth year, moved by Zheng Zhong's meritorious service, the emperor bestowed upon him the title of Chaoxiang Hou (Marquis of Chaoxiang), with a fief of 1,500 households. In the first year of Yongchu era, Empress He Xi added another 300 households to his fief as a further grant.
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元初元年卒，養子閎嗣。閎卒，子安嗣。後國絕。桓帝延熹二年，紹封眾曾孫石讎為關內侯。 |
| | He died in the first year of Yuanchu era; his adopted son Hong succeeded him. After Hong's death, his son An succeeded him. Later, the fief became extinct. In the second year of Yanning era during Emperor Huan's reign, Shichou, a great-grandson of Zheng Zhong, was posthumously granted the title Guannei Hou (Inner Gate Marquis).
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蔡倫字敬仲，桂陽人也。以永平末始給事宮掖，建初中，為小黃門。及和帝即位，轉中常侍，豫參帷幄。 |
| | Cai Lun, courtesy name Jingzhong, was a native of Guiyang. At the end of the Yongping era he first began serving in the palace; during the Jianchu era, he became a Xiao Huangmen. When Emperor He ascended the throne, Cai Lun was transferred to Zhongchangshi and participated in palace deliberations.
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倫有才學，盡心敦慎，數犯嚴顏，匡弼得失。每至休沐，輒閉門絕賓，暴體田野。後加位尚方令。永元九年，監作祕劍及諸器械，莫不精工堅密，為後世法。 |
| | Cai Lun possessed talent and learning; he served with utmost dedication, diligence, and caution, often braving stern expressions to correct mistakes and advise the emperor. Whenever he was granted a day off from court duties, he would shut himself in his home, refuse visitors, and personally toil in the fields. Later, he was promoted to Shangfang Ling (Commander of Imperial Workshops). In the ninth year of Yongyuan era, while overseeing the production of imperial swords and various instruments, he ensured that none were made without exquisite craftsmanship and solid construction, setting a standard for future generations.
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自古書契多編以竹簡，其用縑帛者謂之為紙。縑貴而簡重，並不便於人。倫乃造意，用樹膚、麻頭及敝布、魚網以為紙。元興元年奏上之，帝善其能，自是莫不從用焉，故天下咸稱「蔡侯紙」。 |
| | Since ancient times, written records were mostly compiled on bamboo slips; those made using silk cloth were called "paper." Silk was expensive and bamboo slips were heavy—both were inconvenient for people. Cai Lun therefore conceived the idea of making paper using tree bark, hemp scraps, old cloth, and fish nets. In the first year of Yuanxing era he presented his invention to the emperor, who praised his ability. From then on, no one failed to adopt its use; thus, paper came to be universally known as "Cai Hou Zhi" (Cai Hou Paper).
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元初元年，鄧太后以倫久宿衛，封為龍亭侯，邑三百戶。後為長樂太僕。四年，帝以經傳之文多不正定，乃選通儒謁者劉珍及博士良史詣東觀，各讎校漢家法，令倫監典其事。 |
| | In the first year of Yuanchu, Empress Dowager Deng honored Cai Lun for his long service as a palace guard and bestowed upon him the title Longting Hou (Marquis of Longting), with a fief of three hundred households. Later, he served as Taifu of Changle Palace. In the fourth year, the emperor found that many texts of classics and historical records were not properly standardized; thus he selected learned scholars such as Yezhe Liu Zhen and erudite historians to go to Dongguan Hall. Each was assigned to collate and correct Han dynasty legal codes, with Cai Lun overseeing the entire project.
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倫初受竇后諷旨，誣陷安帝祖母宋貴人。及太后崩，安帝始親萬機，敕使自致廷尉。倫恥受辱，乃沐浴整衣冠，飲藥而死。國除。 |
| | Initially, Cai Lun received instructions from Empress Dowager Dou and falsely accused Emperor An's maternal grandmother, Lady Song Guiren. After the empress dowager died, Emperor An personally assumed control of all state affairs and ordered Cai Lun to surrender himself to Tingwei (the imperial court of justice). Cai Lun was ashamed to face disgrace, so he bathed, dressed in formal attire, and drank poison to die. His fief was abolished.
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孫程字稚卿，涿郡新城人也。安帝時，為中黃門，給事長樂宮。 |
| | Sun Cheng, courtesy name Zhiqing, was a native of Xincheng, Zhuo Jun. During Emperor An's reign, Sun Cheng served as Zhonghuangmen and attended to duties in Changle Palace.
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時鄧太后臨朝，帝不親政事。小黃門李閏與帝乳母王聖常共譖太后兄執金吾悝等，言欲廢帝，立平原王德，帝每忿懼。及太后崩，遂誅鄧氏而廢平原王，封閏雍鄉侯；又小黃門江京以讒諂進，初迎帝於邸，以功封都鄉侯，食邑各三百戶。閏、京並遷中常侍，江京兼大長秋，與中常侍樊豐、黃門令劉安、鉤盾令陳達及王聖、聖女伯榮扇動內外，競為侈虐。又帝舅大將軍耿寶、皇后兄大鴻臚閻顯更相阿黨，遂枉殺太尉楊震，廢皇太子為濟陰王。 |
| | At that time Empress Dowager Deng was ruling the court, and the emperor did not personally handle government affairs. Xiao Huangmen Li Run and the emperor's wet nurse Wang Sheng often slandered Dou Kui, the brother of Empress Dowager Deng who held the title Zhijinwu. They claimed that he intended to depose the emperor and install Prince De of Pingyuan; this caused the emperor frequent anger and fear. After the empress dowager's death, they proceeded to execute the Dou clan and deposed Prince De of Pingyuan, granting Li Run the title Yongxiang Hou (Marquis of Yongxiang). Another Xiao Huangmen, Jiang Jing, advanced through flattery and slander. He had initially escorted the emperor from his residence to court and was rewarded with the title Duxiang Hou (Marquis of Duxiang), each receiving a fief of three hundred households respectively. Li Run and Jiang Jing were both promoted to Zhongchangshi, with Jiang Jing also serving as Dachangqiu. Together with fellow Zhongchangshi Fan Feng, Huangmen Ling Liu An, Goudun Ling Chen Da, and Wang Sheng along with her daughter Bo Rong, they stirred unrest inside and outside the palace, vying in extravagance and cruelty. In addition, the emperor's maternal uncle and Grand General Geng Bao, along with the empress' brother and Da Honglu Yan Xian, formed a mutual faction of support. They wrongfully executed Taiwei Yang Zhen and deposed the crown prince, demoting him to Prince Jiying of Jiyin.
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明年帝崩，立北鄉侯為天子。顯等遂專朝爭權，乃諷有司奏誅樊豐，廢耿寶、王聖，及黨與皆見死徙。 |
| | The following year, the emperor died, and Beixiang Hou was installed as emperor. Yan Xian and others then monopolized court authority, inciting officials to petition for the execution of Fan Feng, the dismissal of Geng Bao and Wang Sheng, along with all their associates who were put to death or exiled.
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十月，北鄉侯病篤。程謂濟陰王謁者長興渠曰：「王以嫡統，本無失德，先帝用讒，遂至廢黜。若北鄉疾不起，共斷江京、閻顯，事乃可成。」渠等然之。又中黃門南陽王康，先為太子府史，自太子之廢，常懷歎憤。又長樂太官丞京兆王國，並附同於程。至二十七日，北鄉侯薨。閰顯白太后，徵諸王子簡為帝嗣。未及至。十一月二日，程遂與王康等十八人聚謀於西鍾下，皆涞單衣為誓。四日夜，程等共會崇德殿上，因入章臺門。時江京、劉安及李閏、陳達等俱坐省門下，程與王康共就斬京、安、達，以李閏權埶積為省內所服，欲引為主，因舉刃脅閏曰：「今當立濟陰王，無得搖動。」閏曰：「諾。」於是扶閏起，俱於西鍾下迎濟陰王立之，是為順帝。召尚書令、僕射以下，從輦幸南宮雲臺，程等留守省門，遮扞內外。 |
| | In the tenth month, Beixiang Hou fell seriously ill. Cheng told Chang Xingqu, the Yeshi of Prince Jiying of Jiyin: "Your Highness is the legitimate heir and originally had no moral failings; the late emperor was misled by slander and thus deposed you." "If Beixiang Hou does not recover from his illness, we should jointly eliminate Jiang Jing and Yan Xian; only then can the matter succeed." Chang Xingqu and others agreed with this. Also, Zhong Huangmen Nanyang Wang Kang, who had previously served as an official in the crown prince's household, often felt sighing and resentful since the prince was deposed. Also, Zhangle Taiguan Cheng Jingzhao Wang Guo joined Cheng in this plot. On the twenty-seventh day of the month, Beixiang Hou died. Yan Xian reported to Empress Dowager Deng and proposed that Prince Jian be summoned from among the imperial sons as heir to the throne. Before he could arrive, On the second day of the eleventh month, Cheng thus gathered with Wang Kang and eighteen others to plot beneath the western bell tower, all vowing in single garments. On the fourth night, Cheng and his companions convened at Chongde Dian (Chongde Hall) and then entered Zhangtai Gate. At that time, Jiang Jing, Liu An, and Li Run, Chen Da were all seated under Shengmen (Hall of Administration). Cheng and Wang Kang jointly beheaded Jing, An, and Da. Since Li Run had long been influential within the palace and was respected by those inside, they wished to make him their leader; thus, they brandished weapons and threatened Li Run, saying: "We are going to install Prince Jiying of Jiyin as emperor now. Do not dare to resist." Li Run said, "Yes." They then helped Li Run up and together went to the western bell tower to welcome Prince Jiying of Jiyin, who was installed as emperor; he became Emperor Shun. They summoned the Shangshu Ling, Puye and officials of lower ranks to accompany the imperial palanquin to Nangong Yuntai. Cheng and others remained at Shengmen as guards, controlling access inside and outside.
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閻顯時在禁中，憂迫不知所為，小黃門樊登勸顯發兵，以太后詔召越騎校尉馮詩、虎賁中郎將閻崇，屯朔平門，以禦程等。誘詩入省，太后使授之印，曰：「能得濟陰王者封萬戶侯，得李閏者五千戶侯。」顯以詩所將眾少，使與登迎吏士于左掖門外。詩因格殺登，歸營屯守。顯弟衛尉景遽從省中還外府，收兵至盛德門。程傳召諸尚書使收景。尚書郭鎮時臥病，聞之，即率直宿羽林出南止車門，逢景從吏士，拔白刃，呼曰：「無干兵。」鎮即下車，時節詔之。景曰：「何等詔？」因斫鎮，不中。鎮引劍擊景墯車，左右以戟叉其匈，遂禽之，送廷尉獄，即夜死。旦日，令侍御史收顯等送獄，於是遂定。下詔曰：「夫表功錄善，古今之通義也。故中常侍長樂太僕江京、黃門令劉安、鉤盾令陳達與故車騎將軍閻顯兄弟謀議惡逆，傾亂天下。中黃門孫程、王康、長樂太官丞王國、中黃門黃龍、彭愷、孟叔、李建、王成、張賢、史汎、馬國、王道、李元、楊佗、陳予、趙封、李剛、魏猛、苗光等，懷忠憤發，戮力協謀，遂埽滅元惡，以定王室。詩不云乎：『無言不讎，無德不報。』程為謀首，康、國協同。其封程為浮陽侯，食邑萬戶；康為華容侯，國為酈侯，各九千戶；黃龍為湘南侯，五千戶；彭愷為西平昌侯，孟叔為中廬侯，李建為復陽侯，各四千二百戶；王成為廣宗侯，張賢為祝阿侯，史汎為臨沮侯，馬國為廣平侯，王道為范縣侯，李元為褒信侯，楊佗為山都侯，陳予為下雋侯，趙封為析縣侯，李剛為枝江侯，各四千戶；魏猛為夷陵侯，二千戶；苗光為東阿侯，千戶。」是為十九侯。加賜車馬金銀錢帛各有差。李閏以先不豫謀，故不封。遂擢拜程騎都尉。 |
| | Yan Xian was at that time inside the palace, anxious and unsure of what to do. Xiao Huangmen Fan Deng advised Yan Xian to raise troops, issuing an imperial edict in Empress Dowager Deng's name to summon Yueqi Jiao Wei Feng Shi and Hubei Zhonglang Jiang Yan Chong, stationing them at Shuoping Gate to resist Cheng and his followers. They lured Shi into the administrative hall, where Empress Dowager Deng had him presented with a seal and declared: "Whoever captures Prince Jiying of Jiyin will be made a marquis with ten thousand households; whoever captures Li Run will be made a marquis over five thousand households." Yan Xian, considering the small number of troops under Shi's command, ordered him to meet and escort officials and soldiers at the left Yeye Gate. Shi then killed Deng in battle and returned to his camp to take up defensive positions. Yan Xian's younger brother, Weiwei Yan Jing, hastily left the administrative hall and returned to his external office, gathering troops up to Shengde Gate. Cheng summoned various Shangshu officials to arrest Yan Jing. At that time, Shangshu Guo Zhen was ill in bed. Upon hearing the news, he immediately led the night guards of Yulin troops out through Nan Zhiche Gate and encountered Yan Jing's attendants and soldiers. Drawing a white sword, he shouted: "Do not provoke conflict." Guo Zhen immediately got out of his carriage and issued an imperial decree to restrain them. Yan Jing said, "What kind of edict is this?" He then attacked Guo Zhen with an axe but missed. Guo Zhen drew his sword and struck Yan Jing, causing him to fall from his carriage. Those around him then pierced his chest with halberds, capturing him alive before sending him to the Tingwei prison, where he died that very night. The next day, orders were given for Shiyushi officials to arrest Yan Xian and others and send them to prison; thus the situation was stabilized. An edict was issued, stating: "Rewarding merit and recording virtue is a universal principle of both ancient and modern times." "Therefore, former Zhongchangshi and Changle Taifu Jiang Jing, Huangmen Ling Liu An, and Goudun Ling Chen Da conspired with the former Cheqi Jiangjun Yan Xian brothers in wicked rebellion, overturning and disturbing the realm." Zhong Huangmen Sun Cheng, Wang Kang, Zhangle Taiguancheng Wang Guo, Zhong Huangmen Huang Long, Peng Kai, Meng Shu, Li Jian, Wang Cheng, Zhang Xian, Shi Fan, Ma Guo, Wang Dao, Li Yuan, Yang Tuo, Chen Yu, Zhao Feng, Li Gang, Wei Meng, and Miao Guang harbored loyal indignation and united in effort to plot together. Thus they succeeded in exterminating the chief evildoers and stabilizing the royal house. Is it not said in the Shi: 'No words go unrewarded, no virtue goes unrepaid.'?" Cheng was the chief planner, while Kang and Guo assisted. Therefore, Cheng shall be granted the title Fuyang Hou (Marquis of Fuyang) with a fief over ten thousand households; Kang as Huarong Hou (Marquis of Huarong), and Guo as Li Hou (Marquis of Li), each with a fief over nine thousand households; Huang Long as Xiangnan Hou (Marquis of Xiangnan) with five thousand households; Peng Kai as Xipingchang Hou (Marquis of Xipingchang), Meng Shu as Zhonglu Hou (Marquis of Zhonglu), and Li Jian as Fuyang Hou (Marquis Fu Yang), each with a fief of four thousand two hundred households; Wang Cheng as Guangzong Hou (Marquis of Guangzong), Zhang Xian as Zhua Hou (Marquis of Zhuo), Shi Fan as Linju Hou (Marquis of Linju), Ma Guo as Guangping Hou (Marquis of Guangping), Wang Dao as Fanxian Hou (Marquis of Fanxian), Li Yuan as Baoxin Hou (Marquis of Baoxin), Yang Tuo as Shandu Hou (Marquis of Shandu), Chen Yu as Xiajun Hou (Marquis of Xiajun), Zhao Feng as Xixian Hou (Marquis of Xi Xian), and Li Gang as Zhijiang Hou (Marquis of Zhi Jiang), each with a fief covering four thousand households; Wei Meng as Yiling Hou (Marquis of Yiling) with two thousand households; Miao Guang as Donga Hou (Marquis of Donga) with one thousand households." These were the nineteen marquises. They were also bestowed with carriages, horses, gold, silver, money, and silk in varying amounts as additional rewards. Li Run was not previously involved in the plot, so he was not granted a title. Sun Cheng was then promoted and appointed as Qidu Wei (Commander of Horsemen).
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| | 宦者列傳: |
永建元年，程與張賢、孟叔、馬國等為司隸校尉虞詡訟罪，懷表上殿，呵叱左右。帝怒，遂免程官，因悉遣十九侯就國，後徙封程為宜城侯。程既到國，怨恨恚懟，封還印綬、符策，亡歸京師，往來山中。詔書追求，復故爵土，賜車馬衣物，遣還國。 |
| | In Yongjian Year 1, Cheng and Zhang Xian, Meng Shu, Ma Guo, and others petitioned on behalf of Sili Jiao Wei Yu Xu, who had been wrongfully accused. They presented their memorial at the palace hall, confronting and scolding those around them. The emperor was angry and thus dismissed Cheng from his post; as a result, he ordered all nineteen marquises to return to their fiefs. Later, Cheng was regranted the title Yicheng Hou (Marquis of Yicheng). After Cheng arrived at his fief, he became resentful and angry. He returned the seal of office, insignia, and documents to the imperial court, fled back to the capital, and wandered in the mountains. An edict was issued summoning him for pursuit; his former title and fief were restored to him, carriages, horses, clothes, and belongings were granted as gifts, and he was sent back to his fief.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
三年，帝念程等功勳，悉徵還京師。程與王道、李元皆拜騎都尉，餘悉奉朝請。陽嘉元年，程病甚，即拜奉車都尉，位特進。及卒，使五官郎將追贈車騎將軍印綬，賜謚剛侯。侍御史持節監護喪事，乘輿幸北部尉傳，瞻望車騎。 |
| | In the third year, moved by their meritorious service, the emperor summoned all of them back to the capital. Cheng and Wang Dao, Li Yuan were all appointed as Qidu Wei; the rest were granted honors of court attendance. In Yangjia Year 1, when Cheng fell seriously ill, he was immediately appointed as Fengche Duyi (Commander of the Attendant Carriage) and granted a special rank of Tejin. Upon his death, officials were sent by the Five Officials Langjiang to bestow posthumously the seal and insignia of Cheqi Jiangjun (General-in-Chief of Chariots and Horses) and he was granted the posthumous title Gang Hou. Shiyushi officials with imperial authority were dispatched to oversee funeral arrangements, and the emperor in his palanquin visited the Beibu Weichuan (a relay station for northern 尉), gazing at the procession of carriages.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
程臨終，遺言上書，以國傳弟美。帝許之，而分程半，封程養子壽為浮陽侯。後詔書錄微功，封興渠為高望亭侯。四年，詔宦官養子悉聽得為後，襲封爵，定著乎令。 |
| | On his deathbed, Cheng left a final message to submit a memorial requesting that his fief be passed on to his younger brother Mei. The emperor approved the request, but divided Cheng's fief in half, granting part of it and bestowing the title Fuyang Hou on Cheng's adopted son Shou. Later, an imperial edict recorded minor contributions, granting Chang Xingqu the title Gaowangting Hou (Marquis of Gaowangting). In the fourth year, an edict was issued allowing eunuchs' adopted sons to be legally recognized as heirs and permitted to inherit titles; this regulation was formally recorded in the imperial code.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
王康、王國、彭愷、王成、趙封、魏猛六人皆早 |
| | Wang Kang, Wang Guo, Peng Kai, Wang Cheng, Zhao Feng, and Wei Meng — these six men all died early.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
卒。黃龍、楊佗、孟叔、李建、張賢、史汎、王道、李元、李剛九人與阿母山陽君宋娥更相貨賂，求高官增邑，又誣罔中常侍曹騰、孟賁等。永和二年，發覺，並遣就國，減租四分之一。宋娥奪爵歸田舍。唯馬國、陳予、苗光保全封邑。 |
| | They passed away. Huang Long, Yang Tuo, Meng Shu, Li Jian Zhang Xian Shi Fan Wang Dao Li Yuan and Li Gang — these nine men colluded with their mother Shan Yangjun Song E in exchanging bribes to seek higher official positions and increased fiefs. They also falsely accused Zhongchangshi Cao Teng, Meng Ben, and others. In Yonghe Year 2, their misconduct was uncovered; they were all ordered to return to their fiefs with a reduction of one-fourth in their land rents. Song E had her title stripped and was sent back to live as a commoner on farmland. Only Ma Guo, Chen Yu, and Miao Guang retained their titles and fiefs intact.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
初，帝見廢，監太子家小黃門籍建、傅高梵、長秋長趙熹、丞良賀、藥長夏珍皆以無過獲罪，建等坐徙朔方。及帝即位，並擢為中常侍。梵坐臧罪，減死一等。建後封東鄉侯，三百戶。 |
| | Initially, when the emperor was deposed, Jiaoshi Xiao Huangmen Ji Jian, Fu Gao Fan, Changqiuchang Zhao Xi, Cheng Liang He, and Yaochang Xia Zhen were all punished despite having committed no fault. Ji Jian and others were exiled to Shuofang as a result of this. When the emperor ascended the throne, they were all promoted to Zhongchangshi. Fu Gao Fan was convicted of corruption and received a punishment one degree less than death. Ji Jian later received the title Dongxiang Hou with a fief over three hundred households.
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賀清儉退厚，位至大長秋。陽嘉中，詔九卿舉武猛，賀獨無所薦。帝引問其故，對曰：「臣生自草茅，長於宮掖，既無知人之明，又未嘗交知士類。昔衛鞅因景監以見，有識知其不終。今得臣舉者，匪榮伊辱。」固辭之。及卒，帝思賀忠，封其養子為都鄉侯，三百戶。 |
| | Liang He was clean, frugal, and modest; he rose to the position of Dachangqiu (Grand Director of Palace Affairs). During Yangjia period, an edict ordered the Nine Ministers to recommend brave and martial individuals; alone among them, Liang He recommended no one. The emperor summoned him and asked for the reason, to which he replied: "I was born among commoners and raised in the palace. I have neither the discernment to know people nor have I ever been acquainted with scholars or officials." "In ancient times, Wei Yang was recommended by Jing Jian and thus gained favor; those who understood him knew he would not have a good ending. "Those whom I recommend today will bring no honor, only disgrace." He firmly declined the task. Upon his death, moved by Liang He's loyalty, the emperor bestowed the title Duxiang Hou on his adopted son with a fief over three hundred household.
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曹騰字季興，沛國譙人也。安帝時，除黃門從官。順帝在東宮，鄧太后以騰年少謹厚，使侍皇太子書，特見親愛。及帝即位，騰為小黃門，遷中常侍。桓帝得立，騰與長樂太僕州輔等七人，以定策功，皆封亭侯，騰為費亭侯，遷大長秋，加位特進。 |
| | Cao Teng, courtesy name Jixing, was a native of Qiao, Pei Guo. During the reign of Emperor An, he was appointed as Huangmen Congguan (attendant official in the Yellow Gate). When Emperor Shun was still in the eastern palace, Empress Dowager Deng, considering Cao Teng young and cautious, entrusted him to serve as a scribe for the crown prince; he thus received special favor and affection. After the emperor ascended the throne, Cao Teng served as Xiao Huangmen and was later promoted to Zhongchangshi (Attendant-in-Ordinary). When Emperor Huan was installed on the throne, Cao Teng and seven others including Zhangle Taifu Zhou Fu were granted the title Ting Hou (Marquis of a Village) for their role in determining the succession. Cao Teng received the title Fei Ting Hou and was promoted to Dachangqiu with an additional rank of Tejin (Special Advancement).
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| | 宦者列傳: |
騰用事省闥三十餘年，奉事四帝，未嘗有過。其所進達，皆海內名人，陳留虞放、邊韶、南陽延固、張溫、弘農張奐、潁川堂谿典等。時蜀郡太守因計吏賂遺於騰，益州刺史种暠於斜谷關搜得其書，上奏太守，并以劾騰，請下廷尉案罪。帝曰：「書自外來，非騰之過。」遂寢暠奏。騰不為纖介，常稱暠為能吏，時人嗟美之。 |
| | Cao Teng held power in the palace for more than thirty years, serving four emperors without ever committing a fault. Those he recommended and promoted were all renowned figures within the empire, including Yu Fang of Chenliu, Bian Shao, Yan Gu of Nanyang, Zhang Wen, Zhang Huan of Hongnong, and Tangxi Dian of Yingchuan. At that time, the Tai Shou (governor) of Shu Jun sent a tribute official to bribe Cao Teng. The Tai Shi (provincial governor) of Yizhou Zhong Hao discovered this letter at Xieggu Guan and submitted it along with an indictment against the Tai Shou, requesting that Cao Teng be transferred to Tingwei for investigation and punishment. The emperor said: "The letter came from outside; it is not Cao Teng's fault." Thus, the memorial submitted by Zhong Hao was put aside. Cao Teng did not hold a grudge and often praised Zhong Hao as an able official; contemporaries admired him for this.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
騰卒，養子嵩嗣。种暠後為司徒，告賓客曰：「今身為公，乃曹常侍力焉。」 |
| | After Cao Teng died, his adopted son Song succeeded him. Later, Zhong Hao became Siku and told his guests: "Now that I hold the rank of a public official, it is due to the efforts of Grand Attendant Cao."
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嵩靈帝時貨賂中官及輸西園錢一億萬，故位至太尉。及子操起兵，不肯相隨，乃與少子疾避亂琅邪，為徐州刺史陶謙所殺。 |
| | During Emperor Ling's reign, Song bribed eunuch officials and contributed ten million coins to the Xiyuan (Western Garden) treasury; thus he rose to become Taiwei. When his son Cao Cao raised an army, Song refused to follow him. He fled with his youngest son Ji to Langya to avoid the chaos but was killed by Tao Qian, the Tai Shi of Xu Zhou.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
單超，河南人；徐璜，下邳良城人；具瑗，魏郡元城人；左悺，河南平陰人；唐衡，潁川郾人也。桓帝初，超、璜、瑗為中常侍，悺、衡為小黃門史。 |
| | Dan Chao was a native of Henan; Xu Huang, was from Liangcheng, Xiapi; Ju Yuan was a native of Yuancheng, Wei Jun; Zuo Guan was a native of Pingyin, Henan; Tang Heng was a native of Yan, Yingchuan. In the early years of Emperor Huan's reign, Chao, Huang, and Yuan served as Zhongchangshi (attendants in attendance), while Guan and Heng were Xiao Huangmen Shi (minor Yellow Gate officials).
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| | 宦者列傳: |
初，梁冀兩妹為順桓二帝皇后，冀代父商為大將軍，再世權戚，威振天下。冀自誅太尉李固、杜喬等，驕橫益甚，皇后乘埶忌恣，多所鴆毒，上下鉗口，莫有言者。帝逼畏久，恆懷不平，恐言泄，不敢謀之。延熹二年，皇后崩，帝因如廁，獨呼衡問：「左右與外舍不相得者皆誰乎？」衡對曰：「單超、左悺前詣河南尹不疑，禮敬小簡，不疑收其兄弟送洛陽獄，二人詣門謝，乃得解。徐璜、具瑗常私忿疾外舍放橫，口不敢道。」於是帝呼超、悺入室，謂曰：「梁將軍兄弟專固國朝，迫脅外內，公卿以下從其風旨。今欲誅之，於常侍意何如？」超等對曰：「誠國姦賊，當誅日久。臣等弱劣，未知聖意何如耳。」帝曰：「審然者，常侍密圖之。」對曰：「圖之不難，但恐陛下復中狐疑。」帝曰：「姦臣脅國，當伏其罪，何疑乎！」於是更召璜、瑗等五人，遂定其議，帝齧超臂出血為盟。於是詔收冀及宗親黨與悉誅之。悺、衡遷中常侍，封超新豐侯，二萬戶，璜武原侯，瑗東武陽侯，各萬五千戶，賜錢各千五百萬；悺上蔡侯，衡汝陽侯，各萬三千戶，賜錢各千三百萬。五人同日封，故世謂之「五侯」。又封小黃門劉普、趙忠等八人為鄉侯。自是權歸宦官，朝廷日亂矣。 |
| | Initially, two of Liang Ji's sisters were empresses to Emperors Shun and Huan. Liang Ji succeeded his father Liang Shang as Da Jiangjun (Grand General), holding power for two generations; as a powerful relative by marriage, he wielded authority that shook the empire. After Liang Ji had Taiwei Li Gu, Du Qiao and others executed, he became even more arrogant and overbearing. The empress, taking advantage of his power, acted with unrestrained jealousy and poisoned many people. Officials at all levels kept silent out of fear, and no one dared to speak up. The emperor had long been intimidated by this situation and often felt resentful; fearing that his words might be revealed, he dared not make any plans. In the second year of Yanyi, when the empress died, the emperor went to the latrine and called Tang Heng alone and asked: "Who among my attendants and those in the outer quarters are not getting along well?" Heng replied: "Dan Chao and Zuo Guan previously visited Yin Bu, the Yinyou of Henan, but offered only a small token of courtesy. Yin Bu arrested their brothers and sent them to Luoyang prison. The two men went to his gate to apologize before they were released." Xu Huang and Ju Yuan have long harbored private resentment toward the outer quarters for their reckless behavior, but dared not speak of it openly." Thus the emperor summoned Chao and Guan into his chamber and said: "The brothers of General Liang have monopolized power in the imperial court, bullying both inside and outside the palace. Officials from the gongqing (ministers) down have followed their lead." Now I wish to execute them; what is your opinion, Grand Attendant?" Chao and the others replied: "They are indeed traitors to the state. They should have been executed long ago." We are weak and inferior, but we only did not know what Your Majesty's will was." The emperor said: "If that is indeed the case, Grand Attendant, you should secretly plan it out." They replied: "Devising this plan is no difficulty; we only fear Your Majesty may again waver in doubt." The emperor said: "Traitors who threaten the state must be made to suffer their due punishment—what is there to doubt!" The emperor then summoned Xu Huang, Ju Yuan, and three others, and the five of them thus finalized their plan. The emperor bit Chao's arm until blood flowed as a sign of their oath. Thus an imperial edict was issued to arrest Liang Ji and all his relatives and associates, who were summarily executed. Guan and Heng were promoted to Zhongchangshi, while Chao was enfeoffed as Xin Feng Hou (Lord of Xinfeng) with a fief of 20,000 households. Huang became Wu Yuan Hou (Lord of Wuyuan), and Yuan became Dongwuyang Hou (Lord of Dongwuyang), each receiving 15,000-household fiefs, and each was granted 1.5 million coins in reward; Guan became Shangcai Hou (Lord of Shangcai) and Heng became Ruyang Hou (Lord of Ruyang), each with fiefs of 13,000 households, and each received 1.3 million coins in reward. The five were enfeoffed on the same day; thus they became known as the "Five Marquises" in later generations. They also enfeoffed Xiao Huangmen Liu Pu, Zhao Zhong and seven others as Xiang Hou (Barons of the native districts). From then on, power fell into the hands of eunuchs, and the imperial court grew increasingly chaotic.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
超病，帝遣使者就拜車騎將軍。明年薨，賜東園祕器，棺中玉具，贈侯將軍印綬，使者理喪。及葬，發五營騎士，將軍侍御史護喪，將作大匠起冢塋。 |
| | When Dan Chao became ill, the emperor sent envoys to bestow upon him the title of Chaji Jiangjun (General-in-Chief). The following year he died. The emperor bestowed on him secret funeral equipment from the Dongyuan workshop, jade fittings for his coffin, posthumously awarded him the marquis's seal and military insignia, and sent envoys to oversee the mourning rites. At his funeral, five camps of mounted soldiers were mobilized; a Jiangjun Shiyushi (General's Attendant Inspector) escorted the funeral procession, and the Jiangzuo Dajiang (Master Builder) oversaw the construction of his tomb.
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其後四侯轉橫，天下為之語曰：「左回天，具獨坐，徐臥虎，唐兩墯。」皆競起第宅，樓觀壯麗，窮極伎巧。金銀罽毦，施於犬馬。多取良人美女以為姬妾，皆珍飾華侈，擬則宮人。其僕從皆乘牛車而從列騎。又養其疏屬，或乞嗣異姓，或買蒼頭為子，並以傳國襲封。兄弟姻戚皆宰州臨郡，辜較百姓，與盜賊無異。 |
| | Afterward, the four marquises grew increasingly overbearing; people across the land remarked: "Zuo Huitian, Ju Duzu, Xu Wohu, Tang Liangduo." All of them competed in building luxurious mansions and pavilions, their grandeur and beauty reaching the pinnacle of artistry. Silk embroidered with gold and silver was used to adorn even their dogs and horses. They often took fine men and beautiful women as concubines, adorning them with luxurious finery that rivaled the standards of palace attendants. Their servants rode in ox-drawn carriages followed by mounted escorts. They also supported their distant relatives, some of whom adopted heirs from other families or even purchased slaves as sons, all in order to inherit the marquis titles and fiefs. Their brothers, relatives by marriage, and kinsmen all held governorships over states and commanderies, oppressing the common people with no difference from bandits.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
超弟安為河東太守，弟子匡為濟陰太守，璜弟盛為河內太守，悺弟敏為陳留太守，瑗兄恭為沛相，皆為所在蠹害。 |
| | Dan Chao's younger brother Dan An served as Taishou of Hedong, his nephew Kuang as Taishou of Jiyin; Xu Huang's younger brother Xusheng was Taishou of Henei, Zuo Guan's younger brother Min as Taishou of Chenliu, Ju Yuan's elder brother Gong as Tai Xiang (Governor) of Pei—all became pests and scourges in their respective regions.
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璜兄子宣為下邳令，暴虐尤甚。先是求故汝南太守下邳李暠女不能得，及到縣，遂將吏卒至暠家，載其女歸，戲射殺之，埋著寺內。時下邳縣屬東海，汝南黃浮為東海相，有告言宣者，浮乃收宣家屬，無少長悉考之。掾史以下固諫爭。浮曰：「徐宣國賊，今日殺之，明日坐死，足以瞑目矣。」即案宣罪棄市，暴其尸以示百姓，郡中震慄。璜於是訴怨於帝，帝大怒，浮坐髡鉗，輸作右校。五侯宗族賓客虐遍天下，民不堪命，起為寇賊。七年，衡卒，亦贈車騎將軍，如超故事。璜卒，賻贈錢布，賜冢塋地。 |
| | Xu Huang's nephew Xu Xuan served as Ling (magistrate) of Xiapi, where his cruelty was especially severe. Previously, he had sought the daughter of Li Hao, former Taishou of Runan from Xiapi, but failed to obtain her. Upon arriving in his county, Xu Xuan led officials and soldiers to Li Hao's home, took his daughter away, played games by shooting her to death, and buried her inside a temple. At that time, Xiapi county belonged to Donghai. Huang Fu of Runan served as Tai Xiang of Donghai; when informed about Xu Xuan's crimes, Huang Fu arrested Xu Xuan's family members and subjected them all—regardless of age—to interrogation. Subordinate officials such as yuan shi (clerks) repeatedly advised against it. Huang Fu said: "Xu Xuan is a national traitor; if I kill him today, and face execution tomorrow for it, that will be enough to close my eyes in peace." He immediately executed Xu Xuan in the public square and displayed his corpse for the people to see, causing great fear throughout the commandery. Xu Huang then complained to the emperor about this, and the emperor became furious; as punishment, Huang Fu was sentenced to have his hair shaved off (kun) and his nose pierced (qian), and he was sent for labor at You Xiao. The families, relatives, and retainers of the Five Marquises oppressed people throughout the land; unable to endure their tyranny, common folk rose as bandits. In the seventh year, Tang Heng died and was also posthumously awarded the title of Chaji Jiangjun (General-in-Chief), following Dan Chao's precedent. When Xu Huang died, he was granted funeral expenses and monetary gifts, as well as a plot of land for his tomb.
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明年，司隸校尉韓演因奏悺罪惡，及其兄太僕南鄉侯稱請託州郡，聚斂為姦，賓客放縱，侵犯吏民。悺、稱皆自殺。演又奏瑗兄沛相恭臧罪，徵詣廷尉。瑗詣獄謝，上還東武侯印綬，詔貶為都鄉侯，卒於家。超及璜、衡襲封者，並降為鄉侯，租入歲皆三百萬，子弟分封者，悉奪爵土。劉普等貶為關內侯。 |
| | The following year, Sili Jiao Wei Han Yan submitted a memorial accusing Zuo Guan of crimes and also charged his elder brother Tai Pu Nanxiang Hou Cheng with making improper requests to commanderies and states, amassing wealth through corruption, allowing his retainers to act recklessly, and infringing upon officials and commoners. Guan and Cheng both committed suicide. Yan also submitted a memorial charging Ju Yuan's elder brother, Gong the Tai Xiang of Pei, with concealed crimes and requested his summons to Tingwei (Ministry of Justice). Ju Yuan went to prison to apologize, returned the seal and insignia of Dongwu Hou (Lord of Dongwu), and was ordered by edict to be demoted to Duxiang Hou (Lord of Dudu). He died at home. The successors to the titles of Dan Chao, Xu Huang, and Tang Heng were all demoted to Xiang Hou (Baron of a native district), with annual tax revenues reduced to 300,000 units. All descendants who had been granted fiefs were stripped of their ranks and lands. Liu Pu and others were demoted to Guannei Hou (Marquis within the Passes).
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侯覽者，山陽防東人。桓帝初為中常侍，以佞猾進，倚埶貪放，受納貨遺以巨萬計。延熹中，連歲征伐，府帑空虛，乃假百官奉祿，王侯租稅。覽亦上縑五千匹，賜爵關內侯。又託以與議誅梁冀功，進封高鄉侯。 |
| | Hou Lan was a native of Fangdong, Shanyang. In the early years of Emperor Hui's reign, Hou Lan became a Zhongchangshi through flattery and cunning. Relying on his power, he grew greedy and indulgent, accepting bribes and gifts amounting to tens of thousands in value. During the middle years of Yanyi, due to successive military campaigns that drained imperial treasuries, the court resorted to borrowing from officials' salaries and the rents and taxes of marquises. Hou Lan also presented 5,000 bolts of silk and was granted the title of Guannei Hou (Marquis Within the Passes). He also falsely claimed credit for participating in the plot to execute Liang Ji, and was thus enfeoffed as Gaixiang Hou (Lord of Gaixiang).
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小黃門段珪家在濟陰，與覽並立田業，近濟北界，僕從賓客侵犯百姓，劫掠行旅。濟北相滕延一切收捕，殺數十人，陳尸路衢。覽、珪大怨，以事訴帝，延坐多殺無辜，徵詣廷尉，免。延字伯行，北海人，後為京兆尹，有理名，世稱為長者。 |
| | Duan Gui, a Xiao Huangmen official whose family resided in Jiyin, partnered with Hou Lan to establish large estates near the border of Jinbei. Their servants and retainers oppressed local peasants and robbed travelers along the roads. Teng Yan, Tai Xiang of Jinbei, arrested all involved without exception, killing dozens and displaying their corpses in public squares. Hou Lan and Duan Gui were greatly enraged, and they petitioned the emperor with their grievances. Teng Yan was punished for killing many innocent people, summoned to Tingwei (the Ministry of Justice), and dismissed from office. Teng Yan, courtesy name Boxing, was a native of Beihai. Later he became Yinyou (Governor) of Jingzhao and earned a reputation for his sound governance; the world regarded him as an upright elder statesman.
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覽等得此愈放縱。覽兄參為益州刺史，民有豐富者，輒誣以大逆，皆誅滅之，沒入財物，前後累億計。太尉楊秉奏參，檻車徵，於道自殺。京兆尹袁逢於旅舍閱參車三百餘兩，皆金銀錦帛珍玩，不可勝數。覽坐免，旋復復官。 |
| | With this, Hou Lan and others became even more unrestrained in their misconduct. Hou Lan's elder brother Hou Can served as Shizhi of Yizhou. For any civilian who was wealthy or influential, he would falsely accuse them of great treason and have them executed; their property was confiscated, amounting to hundreds of millions over time. Taiwei Yang Bing submitted a memorial against Hou Can, who was ordered arrested and transported in a jianche (a cage-like carriage for criminals). On the way, he committed suicide. Yinyou of Jingzhao Yuan Feng inspected over 300 carriages belonging to Hou Can at an inn, all filled with gold, silver, brocade, silk, and rare treasures beyond count. Hou Lan was dismissed from office for this but soon had his position restored.
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建寧二年，喪母還家，大起塋冢。督郵張儉因舉奏覽貪侈奢縱，前後請奪人宅三百八十一所，田百一十八頃。起立第宅十有六區，皆有高樓池苑，堂閣相望，飾以綺畫丹漆之屬，制度重深，僭類宮省。又豫作壽冢，石槨雙闕，高廡百尺，破人居室，發掘墳墓。虜奪良人，妻略婦子，及諸罪釁，請誅之。而覽伺候遮涞，章竟不上。儉遂破覽冢宅，藉沒資財，具言罪狀。又奏覽母生時交通賓客，干亂郡國。復不得御。覽遂誣儉為鉤黨，及故長樂少府李膺、太僕杜密等，皆夷滅之。遂代曹節領長樂太僕。 |
| | In the second year of Jianning, when Hou Lan returned home to mourn his mother's death, he built an elaborate tomb and mausoleum. Du You Zhang Jian submitted a memorial to the throne accusing Hou Lan of greed, extravagance, and indulgence, noting that he had previously seized 381 private homes and 118 qing (approximately 79 acres) of farmland. He built sixteen separate mansions, each with tall towers, ponds, and gardens; halls and pavilions could be seen from one another. They were adorned with elaborate paintings, red lacquer, and other luxuries, their scale and depth rivaling the imperial palace itself. He also pre-constructed his tomb, complete with stone coffins and twin gate towers; the roofed halls reached a hundred chi in height. He destroyed people's homes to obtain materials and excavated graves for construction purposes. He abducted innocent civilians, seized their wives and children, and committed numerous other crimes; Zhang Jian requested his execution. However, Hou Lan intercepted the memorial by bribing officials along the way, and it was never submitted to the throne. Jian then destroyed Hou Lan's tomb and mansion, seized his assets, and compiled a detailed account of his crimes. He also submitted another memorial accusing Hou Lan of having his mother, while still alive, engage in dealings with guests and officials, thereby interfering in the affairs of commanderies and states. Again, it was not presented to the throne. Hou Lan then falsely accused Jian of being part of a conspiracy, along with former Shaofu of Changle Li Ying and Tai Pu Du Mi among others; all were executed. He thus succeeded Cao Jie as Taifu (Minister) of Changle.
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熹平元年，有司舉奏覽專權驕奢，策收印綬，自殺。阿黨者皆免。 |
| | In the first year of Xiping, officials submitted a memorial accusing Hou Lan of monopolizing power and indulging in arrogance and luxury. An imperial decree was issued to confiscate his seal and insignia; he committed suicide as a result. Those who had been his accomplices were all dismissed from office.
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曹節字漢豐，南陽新野人也。其本魏郡人，世吏二千石。順帝初，以西園騎遷小黃門。桓帝時，遷中常侍，奉車都尉。建寧元年，持節將中黃門虎賁羽林千人，北迎靈帝，陪乘入宮。及即位，以定策封長安鄉侯，六百戶。 |
| | Cao Jie, courtesy name Hanfeng, was a native of Xinye, Nanyang. His ancestors were originally from Wei Jun and served as officials holding the rank of Erqianshi (two-thousand-dan posts). In the early years of Emperor Shun's reign, he was promoted to Xiao Huangmen after serving as a cavalry officer in the Xiyuan. During Emperor Huan's reign, he advanced to Zhongchangshi and Fengche Duyi (Attendant-in-Charge of the Imperial Carriage). In the first year of Jianning, he held a jie (imperial mandate) and led one thousand Zhong Huangmen Hu Ben Yu Lin soldiers to the north to escort Emperor Ling. He accompanied him on horseback into the palace. After Emperor Ling ascended the throne, Cao Jie was enfeoffed as Chang'an Xiang Hou (Lord of Chang'an) for his role in determining the succession plan, with a fief of six hundred households.
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時竇太后臨朝，后父大將軍武與太傅陳蕃謀誅中官，節與長樂五官史朱瑀、從官史共普、張亮、中黃門王尊、長樂謁者騰是等十七人，共矯詔以長樂食監王甫為黃門令，將兵誅武、蕃等，事已具蕃、武傳。節遷長樂衛尉，封育陽侯，增邑三千戶；甫遷中常侍，黃門令如故；瑀封都鄉侯，千五百戶；普、亮等五人各三百戶；餘十一人皆為關內侯，歲食租二千斛。 |
| | At that time, Empress Dowager Dou was regent. Her father, Da Jiangjun Wu, and Tai Fu Chen Fan plotted to execute the eunuchs. Cao Jie joined Zhanglong Wuguan Shi Zhu Yu, Congguan Shi Gong Pu, Zhang Liang, Zhong Huangmen Wang Zun, Changle Yezhe Teng Shi, and thirteen others in forging an imperial decree appointing Changle Shijian Wang Fu as Huangmen Ling (Head of the Yellow Gate Attendants), leading troops to execute Wu and Fan. The details are recorded in the biographies of Chen Fan and Wu. Cao Jie was promoted to Changle Weiwei (Commander of the Changle Guards) and enfeoffed as Yuyang Hou (Lord of Yuyang), with an increase in his fief by 3,000 households; Wang Fu was promoted to Zhongchangshi but retained his position as Huangmen Ling. Zhu Yu was enfeoffed as Duxiang Hou (Lord of Duxiang) with a fief of one thousand five hundred households; Gong Pu, Zhang Liang and three others each received fiefs of 300 households; The remaining eleven were all granted the title Guannei Hou (Marquises Within the Passes), with an annual grain stipend of 2,000 hu.
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先是瑀等陰於明堂中禱皇天曰：「竇氏無道，請皇天輔皇帝誅之，令事必成，天下得寧。」既誅武等，詔令太官給塞具，賜瑀錢五千萬，餘各有差，後更封華容侯。二人，節病困，詔拜為車騎將軍。有頃疾瘳，上印綬，罷，復為中常侍，位特進，秩中二千石，尋轉大長秋。 |
| | Previously, Zhu Yu and others secretly prayed to the Supreme Heaven in the Mingtang Hall: "The Dou clan is tyrannical. We request that the Supreme Heaven assist His Majesty in exterminating them so that this matter will surely succeed and the realm may find peace." After Wu and others were executed, an edict was issued ordering the Taiguan (Imperial Kitchen) to provide sacrificial utensils. Zhu Yu was granted 50 million coins, while the rest received varying amounts. Later, he was enfeoffed again as Huarong Hou (Lord of Huarong). When Cao Jie fell seriously ill, the emperor issued an edict appointing him as Chaji Jiangjun (General-in-Chief of the Chariot and Cavalry). After a while, when his illness improved, he returned the seals and resigned. Later, he resumed service as Zhongchangshi, holding the special rank of Tejin (Special Advancement), with a salary grade equivalent to Zhongerqianshi (Intermediate 2000 Dan Officials). Soon after, he was transferred to Dachangqiu.
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熹平元年，竇太后崩，有何人書朱雀闕，言「天下大亂，曹節、王甫幽殺太后，常侍侯覽多殺黨人，公卿皆尸祿，無有忠言者。」於是詔司隸校尉劉猛逐捕，十日一會。猛以誹書言直，不肯急捕，月餘，主名不立。猛坐左轉諫議大夫，以御史中丞段熲代猛，乃四出逐捕，及太學游生，繫者千餘人。節等怨猛不已，使熲以它事奏猛，抵罪輸左校。朝臣多以為言，乃免刑，復公車徵之。 |
| | In the first year of Xiping, Empress Dowager Dou died. Someone wrote on the Zhuque Gate: "The realm is in great chaos; Cao Jie and Wang Fu secretly killed the empress dowager. The Huangmen Shi Hou Lan killed many members of the Party of the Literati. All the senior officials are merely collecting salaries without offering loyal advice." The emperor then issued an edict ordering Liu Meng, the Sili Jiao Wei (Inspector of the Capital), to pursue and capture those responsible, holding a meeting every ten days. Liu Meng considered the accusation unjust and refused to act urgently in pursuit. After more than a month, no suspects were identified. Liu Meng was demoted to Jianyi Dafu (Counselor of Advice) for his failure. The Yu Shi Zhongcheng Duan Jing replaced Liu Meng and launched a widespread manhunt, even arresting more than one thousand students from the Taixue (Imperial Academy). Cao Jie and others continued to harbor resentment toward Liu Meng. They instructed Duan Jing to report Liu Meng on other charges, resulting in his conviction and punishment at Zuoxiao (a penal institution). Many officials in court spoke up for him. As a result, Liu Meng was pardoned from his sentence and again summoned by the imperial carriage to be reinstated.
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節遂與王甫等誣奏桓帝弟勃海王悝謀反，誅之。以功封者十二人。甫封冠軍侯。節亦增邑四千六百戶，并前七千六百戶。父兄子弟皆為公卿列校、牧守令長，布滿天下。 |
| | Cao Jie then colluded with Wang Fu and others to falsely accuse Emperor Huan's younger brother, Bohai Wang Kui, of plotting rebellion, leading to his execution. Twelve people were enfeoffed for their supposed contributions to this matter. Wang Fu was enfeoffed as Guanjun Hou (Lord of Guanjun). Cao Jie also received an additional fief of 4,600 households, bringing his total to 7,600 households. His father, brothers, sons, and nephews all held positions as senior officials, high-ranking military officers, provincial governors, prefects, magistrates, and county administrators, spreading throughout the empire.
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節弟破石為越騎校尉，越騎營五百妻有美色，破石從求之，五百不敢違，妻執意不肯行，遂自殺。其淫暴無道，多此類也。 |
| | Cao Jie's younger brother, Po Shi, served as Yueqi Xiaowei (Commander of the Yueqi Cavalry). A wife of one of the 500 soldiers in the Yueqi Camp was known for her beauty. Po Shi demanded that she be given to him. The soldier dared not refuse, but his wife firmly refused to go with him and thus committed suicide. Their licentiousness and brutality were lawless; there were many incidents of this kind.
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光和二年，司隸校尉陽球奏誅王甫及子長樂少府萌、沛相吉，皆死獄中。時連有災異，郎中梁人審忠以為朱瑀等罪惡所感，乃上書曰：「臣聞理國得賢則安，失賢則危，故舜有臣五人而天下理，湯舉伊尹不仁者遠。陛下即位之初，未能萬機，皇太后念在撫育，權時攝政，故中常侍蘇康、管霸應時誅殄。太傅陳蕃、大將軍竇武考其黨與，志清朝政。華容侯朱瑀知事覺露，禍及其身，遂興造逆謀，作亂王室，撞蹋省闥，執奪璽綬，迫脅陛下，聚會群臣，離閒骨肉母子之恩，遂誅蕃、武及尹勳等。因共割裂城社，自相封賞。父子兄弟被蒙尊榮，素所親厚布在州郡，或登九列，或據三司。不惟祿重位尊之責，而苟營私門，多蓄財貨，繕修第舍，連里竟巷。盜取御水以作魚釣，車馬服玩擬於天家。群公卿士杜口吞聲，莫敢有言。州牧郡守承順風旨，辟召選舉，釋賢取愚。故蟲蝗為之生，夷寇為之起。天意憤盈，積十餘年。故頻歲日食於上，地震於下，所以譴戒人主，欲令覺悟，誅鉏無狀。昔高宗以雉雊之變，故獲中興之功。近者神祇啟悟陛下，發赫斯之怒，故王甫父子應時馘涞，路人士女莫不稱善，若除父母之讎。誠怪陛下復忍孽臣之類，不悉殄滅。昔秦信趙高，以危其國；吳使刑人，身遘其禍。虞公抱寶牽馬，魯昭見逐乾侯，以不用宮之奇、子家駒以至滅辱。今以不忍之恩，赦夷族之罪，姦謀一成，悔亦何及！臣為郎十五年，皆耳目聞見，瑀之所為，誠皇天所不復赦。願陛下留漏刻之聽，裁省臣表，埽滅醜類，以荅天怒。與瑀考驗，有不如言，願受湯鑊之誅，妻子并徙，以絕妄言之路。」章寢不報。節遂領尚書令。四年，卒，贈車騎將軍。後瑀亦病卒，皆養子傳國。 |
| | In the second year of Guanghe, Liu Meng, Sili Jiao Wei, submitted a memorial requesting the execution of Wang Fu and his son Zhangle Shaofu Meng and Pei Xiang Ji. They all died in prison. At that time, there were successive disasters and omens. Langzhong Liang Ren Shen Zhong believed these were caused by the sins of Zhu Yu and others. He therefore submitted a memorial stating: "I have heard that governing the state with virtuous officials brings peace; losing them leads to danger. Hence, Emperor Shun had five ministers through whom the realm was well governed, while King Tang appointed Yi Yin, causing the wicked to be far removed." "At the beginning of Your Majesty's reign, you were unable to manage all state affairs. Empress Dowager Dou, thinking of her nurturing care, temporarily assumed regency power; thus, Zhongchangshi Su Kang and Guan Ba were executed at that time." "Tai Fu Chen Fan and Da Jiangjun Dou Wu investigated their accomplices with the intent of purifying court governance." "Huarong Hou Zhu Yu, realizing that the matter had been discovered and that disaster would befall him, then plotted rebellion and caused chaos in the royal family. He stormed the palace gates, seized the imperial seals, coerced Your Majesty, gathered court officials, and disrupted the maternal and filial bond between mother and son, thus leading to the execution of Chen Fan, Wu, Yin Xun, and others." "They then divided up the cities and territories among themselves, bestowing titles and rewards upon each other at will." "Their fathers, sons, brothers, and close associates were all granted high honors. Those they had long favored held positions in the commanderies and states; some rose to the Nine Ranks of High Officials, while others occupied posts among the Three Judicial Departments." "They did not consider their responsibility for high rank and heavy emoluments, but instead selfishly enriched their private households, amassing wealth and treasures, building luxurious mansions that stretched across entire blocks." "They stole the imperial waterways for fishing, and their carriages, horses, clothing, and luxuries rivaled those of the royal family." "The senior officials and scholars kept silent, swallowing their words in fear, daring not to speak out." "Governors of states and magistrates of commanderies followed their lead, making appointments and selections in accordance with their wishes, abandoning the virtuous for the foolish." "Therefore, locusts and pests arose, and bandits from the frontier launched uprisings." "Heaven's will was filled with anger, accumulating over more than ten years." "Therefore, frequent solar eclipses occurred in the heavens and earthquakes beneath the earth—these were Heaven's warnings to the ruler, wishing for him to awaken and root out those without virtue or merit." "In ancient times, Emperor Gaozong achieved a revival of the dynasty because he responded to the omen of pheasants calling at odd hours." "Recently, the gods and spirits have enlightened Your Majesty to express righteous anger. Thus, Wang Fu and his sons were promptly executed; men and women in the roads all praised this action as if they had removed an enemy of their parents." "It is indeed strange that Your Majesty still tolerates such wicked ministers and has not completely eradicated them." "In the past, the Qin dynasty trusted Zhao Gao, thereby endangering its state;" "Wu employed criminals and thus brought disaster upon himself." Suyong, holding treasures and leading horses, Duke Zhuang of Lu was driven out by Ganhao because they did not heed the advice of Gong Zhiqi and Zi Jiaju, ultimately suffering destruction and humiliation. "Now, by showing mercy to these wicked individuals, you pardon the crimes of an alien clan. Once their treachery is realized, it will be too late for regret!" "For fifteen years as a Lang (official), I have personally witnessed and heard of these matters. Zhu Yu's actions are truly those that Heaven will no longer forgive." "I pray Your Majesty will spare a moment to listen, review my memorial, and eradicate this foul breed in order to appease Heaven's anger." "If Zhu Yu is examined and found not guilty as I have stated, I am willing to be boiled in a cauldron, my wife and children exiled, so that the path of false accusations may be cut off." The memorial was left unreviewed and unanswered. Cao Jie thus took charge of the Shangshu Ling (Minister of the Secretariat). In the fourth year, he died and was posthumously honored as Chaji Jiangjun. Later, Zhu Yu also died of illness; both were succeeded by their adopted sons who inherited the titles.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
審忠字公誠，宦官誅後，辟公府。 |
| | 午餐 Shen Zhong, courtesy name Gongcheng, was later appointed to a public office after the eunuchs were executed.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
呂強字漢盛，河南成皋人也。少以宦者為小黃門，再遷中常侍。為人清忠奉公。靈帝時，例封宦者，以強為都鄉侯。強辭讓懇惻，固不敢當，帝乃聽之。因上疏陳事曰： |
| | Lü Qiang, courtesy name Hansheng, was a native of Chenggao, Henan. As a youth, he became an eunuch and served as Xiao Huangmen. He was promoted twice to Zhongchangshi. He was known for his integrity, loyalty, and devotion to public service. During Emperor Ling's reign, it became customary to enfeoff eunuchs; Lü Qiang was thus made Duxiang Hou. Lü Qiang earnestly declined the title, insisting he could not accept it, and the emperor finally granted his request. He therefore submitted a memorial addressing matters:
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| | 宦者列傳: |
臣聞諸侯上象四七，下裂王土，高祖重約非功臣不侯，所以重天爵明勸戒也。伏聞中常侍曹節、王甫、張讓等，及侍中許相，並為列侯。節等宦官祐薄，品卑人賤，讒諂媚主，佞邪徼寵，放毒人物，疾妒忠良，有趙高之禍，未被轘裂之誅，掩朝廷之明，成私樹之黨。而陛下不悟，妄授茅土，開國承家，小人是用。又并及家人，重金兼紫，相繼為蕃輔。受國重恩，不念爾祖，述修厥德，而交結邪黨，下比群佞。陛下或其瑣才，特蒙恩澤。又授位乖越，賢才不升，素餐私倖，必加榮擢。陰陽乖剌，稼穡荒蔬，人用不康，罔不由茲。臣誠知封事已行，言之無逮，所以冒死干觸陳愚忠者，實願陛下損改既謬，從此一止。 |
| | "I have heard that the feudal lords above correspond to the four sevens (28 constellations), and below they divide the king's territory. Emperor Gaozu made a firm decree: only meritorious subjects could be enfeoffed as marquises, in order to emphasize Heaven's titles and clarify rewards and punishments." "I have heard that Zhongchangshi Cao Jie, Wang Fu, Zhang Rang, and Shizhong Xu Xiang were all enfeoffed as feudal lords." "Cao Jie and other eunuchs are of low status, humble rank, and base origins. They flatter the emperor with sycophantic lies, seek favor through deceitful conduct, poison people's lives, and harbor jealousy toward loyal officials. Their actions resemble those of Zhao Gao; yet they have not been punished by being torn apart as he was. They obscure the clarity of the court and form a private faction." Yet Your Majesty fails to realize this, bestowing fiefs recklessly. Opening states and inheriting families, you employ these petty men." "Moreover, their family members have also been granted titles; they wear gold and purple robes in succession, becoming ministers of state." "Receiving the nation's great favors, they do not think of their ancestors or cultivate virtue. Instead, they associate with wicked factions and align themselves with groups of sycophants." "Your Majesty may consider them petty talents who have merely received imperial grace." "Moreover, appointments are made in violation of proper order. Virtuous officials do not rise, while those who merely consume salaries and gain favor through connections inevitably receive honors and promotions." "The yin-yang forces are out of harmony, crops fail to grow properly, the people suffer unrest—none of these problems do not stem from this." "I truly know that the enfeoffment has already been carried out, and speaking now is too late. Yet I still risk my life to offer this humble loyalty because I sincerely hope Your Majesty will correct past errors and cease such actions from now on."
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臣又聞後宮綵女數千餘人，衣食之費，日數百金。比穀雖賤，而戶有飢色。案法當貴而今更賤者，由賦發繁數，以解縣官，寒不敢衣，飢不敢食。民有斯厄，而莫之卹。宮女無用，填積後庭，天下雖復盡力耕桑，猶不能供。昔楚女悲愁，則西宮致災，況終年積聚，豈無憂怨乎！夫天生蒸民，立君以牧之。君道得，則民戴之如父母，仰之猶日月，雖時有征稅，猶望其仁恩之惠。《》曰：「悅以使民，民忘其勞；悅以犯難，民忘其死。」儲君副主，宜諷誦斯言；南面當國，宜履行其事。 |
| | "I have also heard that there are more than several thousand female attendants in the imperial harem, and their daily expenses for clothing and food amount to hundreds of gold pieces." "Although grain is cheap now, many households still show signs of hunger." "Agricultural law dictates that grain should be expensive, yet it is now cheaper. This is because heavy and frequent levies are imposed to meet government demands; the poor dare not wear warm clothes or eat enough food." "The people suffer such hardships, yet no one shows concern." "Useless palace women are piling up in the inner court. Even if all under heaven work diligently at farming and sericulture, it still cannot suffice." "In the past, when a woman of Chu was sorrowful, calamity came to the western palace. How much more so now, with these women gathered year after year—could there be no grievances and sorrows!" "Heaven created all people and established rulers to shepherd them." "When a ruler governs properly, the people revere him as their parent and look up to him like the sun and moon. Even when taxes are levied from time to time, they still hope for his benevolence and grace." The Book of Changes says: "When a ruler governs with joy and inspires the people, the people forget their toil; "when they are inspired by joy even in times of hardship, the people will not fear death." "The crown prince and deputy ruler should be taught to recite these words; "when they sit in state facing south, they should practice what is said."
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又承詔書，當於河閒故國起解瀆之館。陛下龍飛即位，雖從藩國，然處九天之高，豈宜有顧戀之意。且河閒疏遠，解瀆毙絕，而當勞民單力，未見其便。又今外戚四姓貴倖之家，及中官公族無功德者，造起館舍，凡有萬數，樓閣連接，丹青素堊，雕刻之飾，不可單言。喪葬踰制，奢麗過禮，競相放效，莫肯矯拂。穀梁傳曰：「財盡則怨，力盡則懟。」尸子曰：「君如杅，民如水，杅方則水方，杅圓則水圓。」上之化下，猶風之靡草。今上無去奢之儉，下有縱欲之敝，至使禽獸食民之甘，木土衣民之帛。昔師曠諫晉平公曰：「梁柱衣繡，民無褐衣；池有棄酒，士有渴死；廄馬秣粟，民有飢色。近臣不敢諫，遠臣不得暢。」此之謂也。 |
| | "I have also received an imperial decree ordering the construction of a pavilion at Jiedu in the former state of Hejian. "Your Majesty ascended to the throne as a dragon rising from the clouds, though you once ruled a vassal state. Now in your lofty position among the nine heavens, how could it be appropriate for you to have lingering attachments?" "Moreover, Hejian is distant and remote, and Jiedu has long been desolate. To burden the people with such a laborious task for no clear benefit seems unwise." "Moreover, the families of four noble clans closely related to the imperial family and eunuch officials without virtue or merit have built countless mansions. There are thousands in total; pavilions and towers connect one after another, painted with bright colors and white plaster, adorned with carvings too numerous to describe." "Their funerals exceed established regulations in extravagance; their lavishness surpasses proper rites. They compete with one another to imitate these excesses, and no one dares to correct or oppose them." The Guliang Zhuan says: "When wealth is exhausted, resentment arises; when strength is spent, anger follows." Shizi said: "A ruler is like a vessel; the people are like water. If the vessel is square, the water becomes square; if the vessel is round, the water becomes round." The influence of superiors upon inferiors is like wind bending grass. "Now, the emperor does not practice frugality to curb extravagance, and below, there is corruption allowing indulgence. This has led to a situation where beasts consume what the people grow, and trees and earth wear the silks that should belong to the people." "In the past, Shikuang advised King Ping of Jin: 'When beams and pillars are dressed in brocade, the people have no coarse cloth to wear; "when pools overflow with discarded wine, scholars die of thirst; "when stabled horses are fed grain, the people show signs of starvation.'" "The nearby ministers dare not advise, and distant officials cannot speak freely."'" "This is precisely the situation we face now."
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又聞前召議郎蔡邕對問於金商門，而令中常侍曹節、王甫等以詔書喻旨。邕不敢懷道迷國，而切言極對，毀刺貴臣，譏呵豎宦。陛下不密其言，至令宣露，群邪項領，膏脣拭舌，競欲咀嚼。造作飛條。陛下回受誹謗，致邕刑罪，室家徙放，老幼流離，豈不負忠臣哉！今群臣皆以邕為戒，上畏不測之難，下懼劍客之害，臣知朝廷不復得聞忠言矣。故太尉段熲，武勇冠世，習於邊事，垂髮服戎，功成皓首，歷事二主，勳烈獨昭。陛下既已式序，位登台司，而為司隸校尉陽球所見誣脅，一身既斃，而妻子遠播。天下惆悵，功臣失望。宜徵邕更授任，反熲家屬，則忠貞路開，眾怨以弭矣。 |
| | "I have also heard that previously, when Yilang Cai Yong was questioned at Jinshang Gate, the emperor ordered Zhongchangshi Cao Jie and Wang Fu to convey his imperial decree." "Cai Yong, unwilling to conceal the truth or mislead the state, spoke bluntly and directly. He criticized high-ranking officials and rebuked powerful eunuchs." "Your Majesty did not keep his words secret, leading to their exposure. The wicked and corrupt now nod in agreement, smirking with slick tongues, eager to criticize and attack him." They fabricate false accusations. "Your Majesty accepted slander and falsely accused Cai Yong of crimes, leading to his punishment. His family was exiled, the young and old left homeless—how can this not be a betrayal of loyal ministers!" "Now, all the officials take Cai Yong as a warning. Above, they fear unpredictable calamities; below, they dread harm from swordsmen. I know that the court will no longer hear loyal counsel." "Thus, Grand Commandant Duan Jiong was a warrior whose bravery surpassed all others. He was well-versed in frontier affairs, having served from youth until old age with arms in hand. Having served two emperors, his meritorious deeds and distinguished service stand out uniquely." "Your Majesty, having already honored him with official rank and elevated his position to the highest court, he was falsely accused and intimidated by Sili Jiao Wei Yang Qiu. After his death, his wife and children were exiled far away." "The people are sorrowful, and the meritorious officials have lost hope." "It is advisable to recall Cai Yong and reappoint him, and restore the family of Duan Jiong. Only then will a path open for loyalty and integrity, and widespread grievances be calmed."
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帝知其忠而不能用。 |
| | The emperor knew his loyalty but was unable to act upon it.
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時帝多蓄私臧，收天下之珍，每郡國貢獻，先輸中署，名為「導行費」。強上疏諫曰： |
| | At that time, the emperor accumulated many private treasures and collected rare goods from all over the land. Whenever each commandery or kingdom made a tribute offering, it was first sent to the imperial office, where it was called "conveyance expenses." Qiang submitted a memorial to remonstrate, saying:
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天下之財，莫不生之陰陽，歸之陛下。歸之陛下，豈有公私？而今中尚方斂諸郡之寶，中御府積天下之繒，西園引司農之臧，中廄聚太僕之馬，而所輸之府，輒有導行之財。調廣民困，費多獻少，姦吏因其利，百姓受其敝。又阿媚之臣，好獻其私，容諂姑息，自此而進。 |
| | "The wealth of the world is all born from yin and yang and belongs to Your Majesty." "If it belongs to Your Majesty, how can there be a distinction between public and private?" "But now, the Zhongshangfang collects treasures from all commanderies; the Zhongyufu accumulates silks and goods from across the land; Xiyuan draws upon the granaries of Sining; the Zhongjiu gathers horses from Taifu. And whatever is delivered to these offices is always labeled as 'conveyance expenses.'" "Extensive levies have impoverished the people, and high expenditures have led to meager tributes. Corrupt officials exploit these benefits, while the common people suffer from their consequences." "Moreover, flatterers and sycophants who favor private interests have taken to offering personal gifts. Deceit and indulgence are tolerated, and from this, corruption continues to advance."
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舊典選舉委任三府，三府有選，參議掾屬，咨其行狀，度其器能，受試任用，責以成功。若無可察，然後付之尚書。尚書舉劾，請下廷尉，覆案虛實，行其誅罰。今但任尚書，或復敕用。如是，三公得免選舉之負，尚書亦復不坐，責賞無歸，豈肯空自苦勞乎！ |
| | "According to the old system, appointments and recommendations were entrusted to the Three Offices. When the Three Offices made selections, they would consult with their clerks and subordinates, investigate a person's conduct and character, assess his ability and talent, subject him to trials for appointment, and hold him responsible for achieving results." "If there was nothing questionable, only then would the matter be submitted to the Shangshu (Ministry of Works)." "The Shangshu would bring charges and request that the case be referred to Tingwei, who would investigate the truth of the matter and carry out appropriate punishments." "Now, however, appointments are left solely to the Shangshu, or sometimes directly ordered by imperial decree." "If this is the case, the Three Dukes can avoid responsibility for appointments and selections; the Shangshu also escapes blame. With no one to hold accountable or reward, who would willingly endure hardship and labor!"
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夫立言無顯過之咎，明鏡無見玼之尤。如惡立言以記過，則不當學也；不欲明鏡之見玼，則不當照也。願陛下詳思臣言，不以記過見玼為責。 |
| | "To speak out does not incur the guilt of obvious wrongdoing; a clear mirror is free from blame for revealing flaws." "If one dislikes speaking out to record faults, then he should not pursue learning either;" "if one does not wish for a clear mirror to reveal flaws, then he should not look into it at all." "I pray that Your Majesty will carefully consider my words and not hold me accountable for recording faults or revealing blemishes."
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書奏不省。 |
| | The memorial was submitted but went unheeded.
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中平元年，黃巾賊起，帝問強所宜施行。強欲先誅左右貪濁者，大赦黨人，料簡刺史、二千石能否。帝納之，乃先赦黨人。於是諸常侍人人求退，又各自徵還宗親子弟在州郡者。中常侍趙忠、夏惲等遂共搆強，云「與黨人共議朝廷，數讀霍光傳。強兄弟所在並皆貪穢」。帝不悅，使中黃門持兵召強。強聞帝召，怒曰：「吾死，亂起矣。丈夫欲盡忠國家，豈能對獄吏乎！」遂自殺。忠、惲復譖曰：「強見召未知所問，而就外草自屏，有姦明審。」遂收捕宗親，沒入財產焉。 |
| | In the first year of Zhongping, when the Huangjin rebels rose up, the emperor asked Qiang what measures should be taken. Qiang wished to first punish those on the left and right who were greedy and corrupt, issue a general pardon for the faction members, and assess whether cishi (provincial governors) and officials of the rank of 2000-dan were capable or not. The emperor accepted his suggestion and first issued a pardon for the faction members. As a result, each of the zhichangshi (attendants) sought to resign, and they also recalled their relatives and younger family members who were stationed in the commanderies and states. The zhichangshi Zhao Zhong, Xia Yun, and others then conspired against Qiang, claiming that "he had discussed state affairs with the faction members and repeatedly read the biography of Huo Guang." "Their brothers in various regions were all greedy and corrupt.'" The emperor was displeased and sent Zhonghuangmen (Imperial Attendants) with armed guards to summon Qiang. Qiang, upon hearing of the emperor's summons, became angry and said, "If I die, chaos will arise." "A man who wishes to serve his country with utmost loyalty cannot face a prison official!" And so he committed suicide. Zhao Zhong and Xia Yun then slandered further, saying: "Qiang was summoned but did not yet know what he would be questioned about. Yet he went to the outer fields and secluded himself—this clearly indicates treachery." They then arrested his relatives, confiscated their property, and seized it.
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時宦者濟陰丁肅、下邳徐衍、南陽郭耽、汝陽李 |
| | At that time, eunuchs such as Jiying Ding Su, Xiapi Xu Yan, Nanyang Guo Dan, and Ruyang Li
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巡、北海趙祐等五人稱為清忠，皆在里巷，不爭威權。巡以為諸博士試甲乙科，爭弟高下，更相告言，至有行賂定蘭臺漆書經字，以合其私文者，乃白帝，與諸儒共刻五經文於石，於是詔蔡邕等正其文字。自後五經一定，爭者用息。趙祐博學多覽，著作校書，諸儒稱之。 |
| | Xun, Beihai Zhao You, and five others were known as upright and loyal officials. They all lived in the common neighborhoods and did not vie for power or authority. Xun believed that among the various bo shi (doctors of literature) taking the jia yi ke (graded examinations), there was fierce competition for rankings, with accusations and counter-accusations. Some even went so far as to bribe officials to alter the lacquered script characters on bamboo slips at Lantai in order to match their own private texts. Xun therefore reported this matter to the emperor and proposed that scholars work together to carve the Five Classics onto stone steles, thus issuing an imperial decree for Cai Yong et al. to standardize the text. Afterward, with the Five Classics standardized once and for all, disputes over their content ceased. Zhao You was widely learned and well-read; he edited and proofread texts, and was praised by the scholars of his time.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
又小黃門甘陵吳伉，善為風角，博達有奉公稱。知不得用，常託病還寺舍，從容養志云。 |
| | Another Xiaohuangmen (Imperial Attendant) from Ganling, Wu Kang, was skilled in divination by wind and horn omens. He was broad-minded and well-informed, and known for his devotion to public service. Knowing that he could not be properly employed, he often feigned illness to return to the temple quarters, cultivating his aspirations with composure and ease.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
張讓者，潁川人；趙忠者，安平人也。少皆給事省中，桓帝時為小黃門。忠以與誅梁冀功封都鄉侯。延熹八年，黜為關中侯，食本縣租千斛。 |
| | Zhang Rang was a native of Yingchuan; Zhao Zhong was a native of Anping. Both were young when they served in the palace, and during the reign of Emperor Huan, they became Xiaohuangmen (Junior Yellow Gate Attendants). Zhao Zhong was awarded the title of Duxiang Hou for his role in the campaign against Liang Ji. In the eighth year of Yanyi, he was demoted to Guanzhong Hou and granted an annual stipend of one thousand hu of grain from his native county.
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| | 宦者列傳: |
靈帝時，讓、忠並遷中常侍，封列侯，與曹節、王甫等相為表裏。節死後，忠領大長秋。讓有監奴典任家事，交通貨賂，威形諠赫。扶風人孟佗，資產饒贍，與奴朋結，傾竭饋問，無所遺愛。奴咸德之，問佗曰：「君何所欲？力能辦也。」曰：「吾望汝曹為我一拜耳。」時賓客求謁讓者，車恆數百千兩，佗時詣讓，後至，不得進，監奴乃率諸倉頭迎拜於路，遂共轝車入門。賓客咸驚，謂佗善於讓，皆爭以珍玩賂之。佗分以遺讓，讓大喜，遂以佗為涼州刺史。 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Ling, Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong were both promoted to Zhongchangshi (Senior Attendants), enfeoffed as marquises, and together with Cao Jie, Wang Fu, and others formed a close inner circle. After Cao Jie's death, Zhao Zhong took charge of the Dachangqiu (Grand Director of Palace Affairs). Zhang Rang had a supervisory slave who managed his household affairs, and he engaged in bribery and corruption, wielding great influence and causing widespread fear. Meng Tuo of Fufeng was wealthy, with abundant assets. He formed a close alliance with the slave and lavishly gave gifts and inquired after him, sparing no expense or affection. The slave was deeply grateful to Meng Tuo and asked him, "What is it that you desire?" "I have the power to get it for you." Meng Tuo said, "All I want is for you and your men to kneel before me once." At that time, guests seeking an audience with Zhang Rang often brought hundreds or even thousands of carriages. When Meng Tuo visited Zhang Rang at this time, he arrived late and was not allowed to enter. The supervisory slave then led a group of cangtou (retainers) to greet and bow to him on the road, and thus they carried his palanquin into the gate together. The guests were all astonished, thinking that Meng Tuo had a good relationship with Zhang Rang, and thus vied to bribe him with rare treasures. Meng Tuo shared some of the gifts with Zhang Rang, who was very pleased and thus appointed Meng Tuo as cishi (governor) of Liangzhou.
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是時讓、忠及夏惲、郭勝、孫璋、畢嵐、栗嵩、 |
| | At that time, Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and Xia Yun, Guo Sheng, Sun Zhang, Bi Lan, Li Song,
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段珪、高望、張恭、韓悝、宋典十二人，皆為中常侍，封侯貴寵，父兄子弟布列州郡，所在貪殘，為人蠹害。黃巾既作，盜賊糜沸，郎中中山張鈞上書曰：「竊惟張角所以能興兵作亂，萬人所以樂附之者，其源皆由十常侍多放父兄、子弟、婚親、賓客典據州郡，辜榷財利，侵掠百姓，百姓之冤無所告訴，故謀議不軌，聚為盜賊。宜斬十常侍，縣頭南郊，以謝百姓，又遣使者布告天下，可不須師旅，而大寇自消。」天子以鈞章示讓等，皆免冠徒跣頓首，乞自致洛陽詔獄，並出家財以助軍費。有詔皆冠履視事如故。帝怒鈞曰：「此真狂子也。十常侍固當有一人善者不？」鈞復重上，猶如前章，輒寢不報。詔使廷尉、侍御史考為張角道者，御史承讓等旨，遂誣奏鈞學黃巾道，收掠死獄中。而讓等實多與張角交通。後中常侍封諝、徐奏事獨發覺坐誅，帝因怒詰讓等曰：「汝曹常言黨人欲為不軌，皆令禁錮，或有伏誅。今黨人更為國用，汝曹反與張角通，為可斬未？」皆叩頭云：「故中常侍王甫、侯覽所為。」帝乃止。 |
| | Duan Gui, Gao Wang, Zhang Gong, Han Kui, and Song Dian—these twelve men—all became zhongchangshi (senior palace attendants), were enfeoffed as marquishes, and enjoyed great favor. Their fathers, brothers, sons, and nephews occupied positions in the commanderies and districts throughout the land, where they were everywhere greedy and cruel, becoming a blight on the people. After the Huangjin rebels arose, bandits and thieves surged like boiling water. Zhang Jun of Zhongshan, an official in the Langzhong office, submitted a memorial saying: "I secretly believe that Zhang Jiao was able to raise troops and incite rebellion, and why ten thousand people were willing to follow him, all stemmed from the fact that these Ten Attendants had appointed their fathers, brothers, sons, relatives, and guests to hold positions in commanderies and districts. They monopolized wealth and profits, plundered the common people, and left the grievances of the people with no place to appeal. Hence, they plotted rebellion and gathered as bandits." "We should execute the Ten Attendants, hang their heads in the southern suburbs to atone for the people's grievances. Then send envoys throughout the land to announce this decision; without needing an army, the great bandits will naturally disappear." The emperor showed Zhang Jun's memorial to the Ten Attendants. They all removed their hats, knelt barefoot, and kowtowed in submission, begging to be sent to Luoyang for trial by imperial decree, while also offering up family wealth to help fund the military expenses. An imperial edict was issued allowing them all to resume their official duties as before, with hats and shoes intact. The emperor became angry at Zhang Jun and said: "This is truly a madman." "Among the Ten Attendants, must there not be one who is good?" Zhang Jun submitted another memorial, repeating his previous arguments verbatim, but it was again ignored without response. The emperor issued an order for Tingwei and Shiyushi to investigate those who had supported Zhang Jiao. The yushi, following the instructions of Zhang Rang et al., falsely accused Zhang Jun of practicing Huangjin teachings, leading to his arrest and death in prison. Yet in reality, Zhang Rang and others had indeed maintained close contact with Zhang Jiao. Later, the zhongchangshi Feng Xu and Xu were caught alone in a case of misconduct and executed. The emperor then angrily confronted Zhang Rang et al., saying: "You have always claimed that faction members intended to commit treason, urging their suppression or execution." "Now the faction members are being used for state service, yet you have secretly conspired with Zhang Jiao—should I behead you?" They all kowtowed and said: "These were the actions of former zhongchangshi Wang Fu and Hou Lan." The emperor then relented.
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明年，南宮災。讓、忠等說帝令斂天下田畝稅十錢，以修宮室。發太原、河東、狄道諸郡材木及文石，每州郡部送至京師，黃門常侍輒令譴呵不中者，因強折賤買，十分雇一，因復貨之於宦官，復不為即受，材木遂至腐積，宮室連年不成。刺史、太守復增私調，百姓呼嗟。凡詔所徵求，皆令西園騶密約敕，號曰「中使」，恐動州郡，多受賕賂。刺史、二千石及茂才孝廉遷除，皆責助軍修宮錢，大郡至二三千萬，餘各有差。當之官者，皆先至西園諧價，然後得去。有錢不畢者，或至自殺。其守清者，乞不之官，皆迫遣之。 |
| | The following year, a fire broke out in the Nangong palace complex. Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong advised the emperor to levy a tax of ten coins per mu (acre) from all farmland in the land, using it to repair palace buildings. They ordered the collection of timber and ornamental stone from Taiyuan, Hedong, Didaodao, and other commanderies. Each state and district was responsible for transporting these materials to the capital. However, Huangmenchangshi (Imperial Attendants) would often criticize and reject any that did not meet their standards, then force-purchase them at a low price—paying only one-tenth of what they were worth—and resell them to other eunuchs. These officials in turn refused to accept the goods immediately, so the materials rotted and piled up, and for years the palace buildings remained unfinished. Cishi (provincial governors) and Taishou (commandery magistrates) further added their own private levies, causing the common people to sigh in despair. All imperial decrees for levies were secretly issued by Xiyuan zou (imperial attendants of the Western Garden), who were known as "Zhongshi" (Imperial Envoys). They instilled fear in the commanderies and states, and accepted numerous bribes. Whenever cishi (provincial governor), officials of the 2000 dan rank, or those selected as Maozai, Xiaolian were promoted or transferred to new posts, they were all required to pay money for military and palace construction. In large commanderies, this could amount to two or three million coins, with smaller ones varying accordingly. Those assuming new official posts had to first go to Xiyuan (the Western Garden) to negotiate the price, and only then could they proceed. Those who could not fully pay their dues sometimes even committed suicide. Those who wished to remain upright and refused the post were all forced to take up their appointments anyway.
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時鉅鹿太守河內司馬直新除，以有清名，減責三百萬。直被詔，悵然曰：「為民父母，而反割剝百姓，以稱時求，吾不忍也。」辭疾，不聽。行至孟津，上書極陳當世之失，古今禍敗之戒，即吞藥自殺。書奏，帝為暫絕修宮錢。 |
| | At that time, Si Ma Zhi of Henan was newly appointed as Taishou (governor) of Ju Lu. Because he had a reputation for integrity, his debt was reduced by three million coins. Upon receiving the imperial decree, Si Ma Zhi was dejected and said: "As a father and mother to the people, how can I now exploit them for the sake of meeting current demands? I cannot bear it." He claimed illness as an excuse but was not allowed. On his way to Mengjin, he submitted a memorial strongly denouncing the failures of the current age and warning against past and present calamities. Then, he swallowed poison and committed suicide. After his memorial was presented, the emperor temporarily suspended the collection of funds for palace construction.
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又造萬金堂於西園，引司農金錢繒帛，仞積其中。又還河閒買田宅，起第觀。帝本侯家，宿貧，每歎桓帝不能作家居，故聚為私臧，復臧寄小黃門常侍錢各數千萬。常云：「張常侍是我公，趙常侍是我母。」宦官得志，無所憚畏，並起第宅，擬則宮室。帝常登永安侯臺，宦官恐其望見居處，乃使中大人尚但諫曰：「天子不當登高，登高則百姓虛散。」自是不敢復升臺榭。 |
| | They also built a Wanjin Hall in Xiyuan, drawing gold coins and silk from the Sining granaries and piling them up inside. They also returned to Hejian to buy farmland and houses, building mansions and pavilions. The emperor himself had been born into a marquis family and was originally poor. He often lamented that Emperor Huan had failed to establish private wealth, so he accumulated personal treasures and secretly stored several tens of millions of coins with minor Yellow Gate attendants and eunuchs in charge of the palace. He often said: "Zhang Changshi is my father, Zhao Changshi is my mother." With their ambitions fulfilled, the eunuchs had no fear or restraint and all built mansions modeled after imperial palaces. The emperor often climbed the platform of Marquis Yong'an. The eunuchs, fearing that he might see their residences from there, had the senior official Shang Dan advise him: "An emperor should not ascend to high places; if he does, the people will become unsettled." From then on, he dared no longer climb pavilions or terraces.
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明年，遂使鉤盾令宋典繕修南宮玉堂。又使掖庭令畢嵐鑄銅人四列於倉龍、玄武闕。又鑄四鐘，皆受二千斛，縣於玉堂及雲臺殿前。又鑄天祿蝦蟆，吐水於平門外橋東，轉水入宮。又作翻車渴烏，施於橋西，用灑南北郊路，以省百姓灑道之費。又鑄四出文錢，錢皆四道。識者竊言侈虐已甚，形象兆見，此錢成，必四道而去。及京師大亂，錢果流布四海。復以忠為車騎將軍，百餘日罷。 |
| | The following year, the emperor ordered Song Dian, the official in charge of imperial works (Goudun Ling), to renovate Nangong Yutang. He also ordered Bi Lan, the official in charge of palace affairs (Yeting Ling), to cast four bronze figures and place them in rows at the Changlong and Xuanwu gates. They also cast four large bells, each capable of holding 2000 hu (a unit of volume), and hung them in front of Yutang Hall and Yuntai Palace. They also cast Tianlu Toads, which spewed water at the eastern side of the bridge outside Pingmen Gate, channeling it into the palace. They also constructed water-lifting devices and water-drawing mechanisms, installed on the west side of the bridge, to sprinkle the roads in the northern and southern suburbs, thereby saving the people's expenses for watering the roads. They also cast coins with four-character inscriptions on their edges; each coin had four grooves. Those who understood the situation secretly remarked that extravagance and cruelty had already reached an extreme, with ominous signs evident; once these coins were cast, they would surely vanish in four directions. And when the capital fell into great chaos, these coins indeed spread throughout the four seas. Zhong was again appointed as Chujide General (General of Chariots and Horses), but after more than a hundred days, the appointment was revoked.
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六年，帝崩。中軍校尉袁紹說大將軍何進，令誅中官以悅天下。謀泄，讓、忠等因進入省，遂共殺進。而紹勒兵斬忠，捕宦官無少長悉斬之。讓等數十人劫質天子走河上。追急，讓等悲哭辭曰：「臣等殄滅，天下亂矣。惟陛下自愛！」皆投河而死。 |
| | In the sixth year, the emperor died. Zhongjun Jiaowei Yuan Shao advised Grand General He Jin to order the execution of eunuchs in order to please the people. The plot was leaked, and Rang, Zhong, and others took advantage of their access into the palace to kill He Jin together. Yuan Shao then led his troops to behead Zhong and captured all eunuchs, killing them regardless of age. Rang and several dozen others seized the emperor as a hostage and fled toward the Yellow River. As they were pursued urgently, Rang and his men wept bitterly and said: "If we are destroyed, chaos will spread throughout the land. We beg you only to take care of yourself, Your Majesty!" They all threw themselves into the river and died.
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論曰：自古喪大業絕宗禋者，其所漸有由矣。三世以嬖色取禍，嬴氏以奢虐致災，西京自外戚失祚，東都緣閹尹傾國。成敗之來，先史商之久矣。至於釁起宦夫，其略猶或可言。何者？刑餘之醜，理謝全生，聲榮無暉於門閥，肌膚莫傳於來體，推情未鑒其敝，即事易以取信，加漸染朝事，頗識典物，故少主憑謹舊之庸，女君資出內之命，顧訪無猜憚之心，恩狎有可悅之色。亦有忠厚平端，懷術糾邪；或敏才給對，飾巧亂實；或借譽貞良，先時薦譽。非直苟恣凶德，止於暴橫而已。然真邪並行，情貌相越，故能回惑昏幼，迷瞀視聽，蓋亦有其理焉。詐利既滋，朋徒日廣，直臣抗議，必漏先言之閒，至戚發憤，方啟專奪之隙，斯忠賢所以智屈，社稷故其為墟。《》曰：「」云所從來久矣。今跡其所以，亦豈一朝一夕哉！ |
| | Commentary: Since ancient times, those who have lost great enterprises or severed their ancestral sacrifices did so for reasons that had been developing gradually. Three generations brought calamity through favoring concubines; the Qin dynasty invited disaster through extravagance and cruelty. In the Western Han, power was lost due to powerful relatives of the empresses; in the Eastern Han, the state collapsed because of eunuch domination. The coming and going of success and failure have been long discussed by historians before us. As for the troubles arising from eunuchs, their general outline can still be described. Why is that? Eunuchs, being castrated and thus physically incomplete, are naturally deprived of the fullness of life. Their names and honors do not bring glory to their families; their flesh cannot be passed on to future generations. Emotionally, people may not initially recognize their corruption, but in practical matters they find it easy to trust them. Moreover, as eunuchs gradually become involved in court affairs, they often acquire some knowledge of official procedures and etiquette. Thus, young emperors rely on these cautious and mediocre individuals, while empresses depend on their authority over palace affairs. There is no suspicion or fear in consulting with them, and the affection shown to them can be pleasing. There are also those who are loyal, sincere, and upright, harboring strategies to correct evil; or some may be quick-witted and eloquent, using cleverness to confuse the truth; or they may borrow a reputation for virtue, recommending themselves in advance. It is not merely that they indulge their wickedness and stop at mere brutality and tyranny. However, as the truly virtuous and the wicked walk side by side, their true nature differs from their outward appearance. Thus, they are able to deceive those who are weak-minded or young, confusing their judgment and senses; there is indeed a logic behind this. Once deceit and greed take root, their followers multiply daily. When upright ministers protest, they inevitably fall into the trap of prior warnings; when close relatives express anger, it is only then that opportunities for monopolizing power emerge. This is why loyal and virtuous officials find themselves outwitted, and thus the state becomes a ruin. The Book of Changes says: "Treading on frost foretells the coming of hard ice." This indicates that such a situation has been developing for a long time. Now, tracing the causes of this outcome, could it have happened in just one day or one night?
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贊曰：任失無小，過用則違。況乃巷職，遠參天機。舞文巧態，作惠作威。凶家害國，夫豈異歸！ |
| | Commentary: The appointment of individuals should not be taken lightly; excessive reliance on them leads to violation. How much more so for those in lowly positions, who are far removed from the mysteries of state affairs. They twist official documents with cunning postures, wielding both kindness and authority at will. Bringing ruin to families and harming the state—could they possibly have a different end!
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