| | 隗囂公孫... : |
隗囂字季孟，天水成紀人也。少仕州郡。王莽國師劉歆引囂為士。歆死，囂歸鄉里。季父崔，素豪俠，能得眾。聞更始立而莽兵連敗，於是乃與兄義及上邽人楊廣、冀人周宗謀起兵應漢。囂止之曰：「夫兵，凶事也。宗族何辜！」崔不聽，遂聚眾數千人，攻平襄，殺莽鎮戎大尹。崔、廣等以為舉事宜立主以一眾心，咸謂囂素有名，好經書，遂共推為上將軍。囂辭讓不得已，曰：「諸父眾賢不量小子。必能用囂言者，乃敢從命。」眾皆曰「諾」。 |
| | Wei Qiao, courtesy name Jisheng, was a native of Chengji, Tianshui. He served in the local government offices at an early age. Wang Mang's State Preceptor Liu Xin recommended Wei Qiao as a scholar-official. After Liu Xin died, Wei Qiao returned to his hometown. His paternal uncle Cui was always a bold and chivalrous man who could command the loyalty of many people. When he heard that Gengshi had been enthroned and Wang Mang's troops were suffering consecutive defeats, Cui therefore conspired with his elder brother Yi, Yang Guang of Shanggui, Zhou Zong of Ji, and others to raise an army in support of the Han dynasty. Wei Qiao dissuaded them, saying: "Military action is a dangerous undertaking. What crime have our clan and family committed!" Cui did not listen, so he gathered several thousand followers, attacked Pingxiang, and killed Wang Mang's Zhendong Da Yin (Governor of Zhenrong). Cui, Yang Guang and others believed that for the success of their uprising it was necessary to establish a leader in order to unify the people's will. They all considered Wei Qiao to be well known and fond of Confucian classics, so they jointly recommended him as the Supreme General. Wei Qiao declined reluctantly, saying: "My elder uncles and many virtuous people have overestimated me. If you are certain that my words can be heeded, then I dare to accept your command." Everyone said, "Yes."
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
囂既立，遣使聘請平陵人方望，以為軍師。望至，說囂曰：「足下欲承天順民，輔漢而起，今立者乃在南陽，王莽尚據長安，雖欲以漢為名，其實無所受命，將何以見信於眾乎？宜急立高廟，稱臣奉祠，所謂『神道設教』，求助人神者也。且禮有損益，質文無常。削地開兆，茅茨土階，以致其肅敬。雖未備物，神明其舍諸。」囂從其言，遂立廟邑東，祀高祖、太宗、世宗。囂等皆稱臣執事，史奉璧而告。祝畢，有司穿坎于庭，牽馬操刀，奉盤錯鍉，遂割牲而盟。曰：「凡我同盟三十一將，十有六姓，允承天道，興輔劉宗。如懷姦慮，明神殛之。高祖、文皇、武皇，俾墜厥命，厥宗受兵，族類滅亡。」有司奉血鍉進，護軍舉手揖諸將軍曰：「鍉不濡血，歃不入口，是欺神明也，厥罰如盟。」既而薶血加書，一如古禮。 |
| | After Wei Qiao was installed as leader, he sent envoys to invite Fang Wang of Pingling and appointed him as military advisor. When Fang Wang arrived, he advised Wei Qiao: "You wish to follow Heaven's will and the people's desire in order to support the Han dynasty and rise up. Now, however, the one who has been enthroned is located in Nanyang, while Wang Mang still holds Chang'an. Although you intend to use the name of the Han, in reality there is no authority from which you have received a mandate. How will this gain the people's trust? You should immediately establish a high ancestral temple, declare yourself as subject and offer sacrifices to the Han ancestors. This is what is called 'establishing instruction through the Way of spirits,' which means seeking assistance from both human and divine realms." Moreover, rites have elements that are added or subtracted over time; their formality and simplicity vary without fixed pattern. You should clear the land to mark the site, build a humble thatched-roof temple with earthen steps in order to express your solemn reverence. Even if you do not yet have all the ritual objects complete, the spirits and deities will surely accept them." Wei Qiao followed his advice, so he established a temple to the east of the city and honored Emperor Gaozu, Taizong, and Shizong. Wei Qiao and others all declared themselves subjects and assumed their official duties; historians presented jade tablets to make an announcement. After the prayer was completed, officials dug a pit in the courtyard, led horses with knives in hand, presented platters and sacrificial tools, and then slaughtered the sacrificial animal to make an oath. They declared: "All thirty-one of us allied generals, from sixteen surnames, sincerely follow the will of Heaven and rise to support the Liu clan. If anyone harbors treachery in his heart, may the divine spirits punish him severely." May Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Wen, and Emperor Wu see to it that such a person falls from his mandate, suffers military punishment, and have his clan wiped out." The officials presented the blood-stained sacrificial knife and advanced, while the commander raised his hand and bowed to all the generals, saying: "If the blade is not stained with blood or the oath wine is not taken into one's mouth, this would be deceiving the divine spirits. The punishment shall be as stipulated in our oath." Afterward, they smeared blood on the documents, just as prescribed by ancient rites.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
事畢，移檄告郡國曰： |
| | When the ceremony was completed, they issued a proclamation to all commanderies and states, saying:
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
「漢復元年七月己酉朔。己巳，上將軍隗囂、白虎將軍隗崔、左將軍隗義、右將軍楊廣、明威將軍王遵、雲旗將軍周宗等，告州牧、部監、郡卒正、連率、大尹、尹、尉隊大夫、屬正、屬令：故新都侯王莽，慢侮天地，悖道逆理。鴆殺孝平皇帝，篡奪其位。矯託天命，偽作符書，欺惑眾庶，震怒上帝。反戾飾文，以為祥瑞。戲弄神祇，歌頌禍殃。楚、越之竹，不足以書其惡。天下昭然，所共聞見。今略舉大端，以喻吏民。 |
| | "The first day of the sixth lunar month, Jiyou, in the first year of Han Fu." On the Jisi day, Supreme General Wei Qiao, White Tiger General Wei Cui, Left General Wei Yi, Right General Yang Guang, Mingwei General Wang Zun, Yunqi General Zhou Zong and others announced to the state governors, regional supervisors, commandery officials, lianshuai (military commanders), Da Yin, Yin,尉 dui dafu, Zhuzheng, and Zhuling: The former Xin Du Hou Wang Mang has insulted Heaven and Earth, violated principles and defied reason. He poisoned Emperor Xiaoping and usurped his throne. He falsely claimed the Mandate of Heaven, fabricated omens and prophecies, deceived the common people, and provoked the wrath of Heaven. He perverted justice while adorning his actions with elaborate rhetoric, falsely presenting them as auspicious omens. He mocked the deities and sang praises of calamity. The bamboo from Chu and Yue would not be sufficient to record his evils. His crimes are evident to all under heaven, witnessed by one and all. Now we briefly cite the main points in order to inform officials and commoners alike.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
蓋天為父，地為母，禍福之應，各以事降。莽明知之。而冥昧觸冒，不顧大忌，詭亂天術，援引史傳。昔秦始皇毀壞謚法，以一二數欲至萬世，而莽下三萬六千歲之歷，言身當盡此度。循亡秦之軌，推無窮之數。是其逆天之大罪也。 |
| | Heaven is the father, Earth is the mother; responses of calamity or blessing are bestowed according to one's deeds. Wang Mang knew this well. Yet he acted in ignorance and recklessly, disregarding great taboos, fabricated confusion about the heavenly order, and cited historical records deceptively. In the past, Emperor Qin Shi Huang destroyed the system of posthumous titles and wished to extend his reign from one or two generations to ten thousand. Similarly, Wang Mang decreed a calendar spanning thirty-six thousand years, claiming that he would complete this entire cycle in his lifetime. He followed the doomed path of the Qin dynasty and promoted an endless numerical system. This was his greatest crime against Heaven.
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分裂郡國，斷截地絡。田為王田，賣買不得。規錮山澤，奪民本業。造起九廟，窮極土作。發冢河東，攻劫丘壟。此其逆地之大罪也。 |
| | He divided the commanderies and states, cutting off the natural connections of the land. He declared all farmland as "wangtian" (royal land), prohibiting its sale or purchase. He monopolized mountains and lakes, depriving the people of their fundamental livelihoods. He built nine ancestral temples, exhausting resources on grand construction projects. He ordered the excavation of tombs in Hedong and raided burial mounds by force. This was his greatest crime against Earth.
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尊任殘賊，信用姦佞，誅戮忠正，覆按口語，赤車奔馳，法冠晨夜，冤繫無辜，妄族眾庶。行炮格之刑，除順時之法，灌以醇醯，裂以五毒。政令日變，官名月易，貨幣歲改，吏民昏亂，不知所從，商旅窮窘，號泣市道。設為六管，增重賦斂，刻剝百姓，厚自奉養，苞苴流行，財入公輔，上下貪賄，莫相檢考。民坐挾銅炭，沒入鍾官，徒隸殷積，數十萬入，工匠飢死，長安皆臭。既亂諸夏，狂心益悖，北攻強胡，南擾勁越，西侵羌戎，東摘濊貊。使四境之外，並入為害，緣邊之郡，江海之瀕，滌地無類。故攻戰之所敗，苛法之所陷，飢饉之所夭，疾疫之所及，以萬萬計。其死者則露屍不掩，生者則奔亡流散，幼孤婦女，流離係虜。此其逆人之大罪也。 |
| | He honored and entrusted cruel bandits, trusted sycophants, executed loyal and upright officials, fabricated charges based on mere words, deployed red-marked chariots to rush about, had judicial officials work day and night in official robes, wrongfully imprisoned the innocent, and recklessly exterminated many common people. He imposed cruel punishments such as pao ge (a form of torture), abolished laws that followed the proper seasons, poured strong vinegar on victims, and subjected them to five kinds of torments. His policies changed daily, official titles were altered monthly, currencies were revised yearly; officials and commoners became confused and did not know what to follow. Merchants and travelers faced dire straits, weeping in the streets. He established six monopolies, increased levies and taxes, exploited the common people harshly for his own benefit. Corrupt practices became widespread; wealth flowed into the hands of high officials. Officials at all levels accepted bribes greedily without any oversight or accountability. Commoners were punished merely for possessing copper and charcoal, and were seized by the Zhongguan (Office of Bell Casting), leading to a massive accumulation of convicts. Tens of thousands were taken in; craftsmen starved to death, their corpses making Chang'an stink with decay. Having already caused chaos among the Chinese states, his madness grew even more reckless. He launched attacks on powerful northern Hu tribes to the north, disturbed the strong Yue people in the south, invaded Qiang and Rong tribes in the west, and raided the Huimo peoples in the east. This caused all regions beyond China's borders to become sources of harm, and border commanderies along rivers and seas were devastated without exception. Thus, the number of people who perished in battles, fell victim to harsh laws, died from famine, or succumbed to epidemics was counted in the tens of millions. The dead were left exposed without burial, while survivors fled and scattered; orphans, widows, and women were displaced and captured. This was his greatest crime against the people.
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是故上帝哀矜，降罰于莽，妻子顛殞，還自誅刈。大臣反據，亡形已成。大司馬董忠，國師劉歆，衛將軍王涉，皆結謀內潰；司命孔仁，納言嚴尤，秩宗陳茂，舉眾外降。今山東之兵二百餘萬，已平齊、楚，下蜀、漢，定宛、洛，據敖倉，守函谷，威命四布，宣風中岳。興滅繼絕，封定萬國，遵高祖之舊制，修孝文之遺德。有不從命，武軍平之。馳使四夷，復其爵號。然後還師振旅，櫜弓臥鼓。申命百姓，各安其所，庶無負子之責。」 |
| | Therefore, Heaven took pity and compassion, bringing punishment upon Wang Mang; his wife and children perished, and he was himself destroyed. His ministers rebelled and seized power; the signs of his downfall were already evident. The Grand Marshal Dong Zhong, State Preceptor Liu Xin, and Wei Jiangjun Wang She all conspired to cause internal collapse; Siming Kong Ren, Nayyan Yan You, Zhizong Chen Mao, and others led their troops in surrendering to the enemy. Now, the two million plus troops in Shandong have already pacified Qi and Chu, captured Shu and Han, stabilized Wan and Luoyang, occupied Aocang granary, and held Hangu Pass. Their authority spreads far and wide, proclaiming their influence over Zhongyue (Central Peak). They have revived the extinguished and restored the extinct, established peace for myriad states, followed the old system of Emperor Gaozu, and upheld the virtues left by Emperor Xiaowen. Those who do not obey will be pacified by our military forces. We have dispatched envoys to the four barbarian regions, restoring their titles and ranks. Only then will our troops return in triumph, sheath their bows, and rest their drums. We hereby command the people to settle in peace at their respective places, so that we may fulfill our responsibility as parents to you."
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
囂乃勒兵十萬，擊殺雍州牧陳慶。將攻安定。安定大尹王向，莽從弟平阿侯譚之子也，威風獨能行其邦內，屬縣皆無叛者。囂乃移書於向，喻以天命，反覆誨示，終不從。於是進兵虜之，以徇百姓，然後行戮，安定悉降。而長安中亦起兵誅王莽。囂遂分遣諸將徇隴西、武都、金城、武威、張掖、酒泉、敦煌，皆下之。 |
| | Wei Qiao then mobilized an army of 100,000 troops and attacked and killed Chen Qing, the governor of Yongzhou. He was about to attack Anding. Wang Xiang, the Da Yin of Anding, was the son of Wang Tan, a cousin of Wang Mang and Marquis Pinga. His authority and prestige were such that he alone could enforce order within his territory; all the counties under his jurisdiction remained loyal without rebellion. Wei Qiao therefore sent a letter to Wang Xiang, explaining the Mandate of Heaven and repeatedly advising him, but in the end he did not comply. Therefore, Wei Qiao advanced his troops to capture Wang Xiang, paraded him before the people as a warning, and then executed him. After this, Anding surrendered completely. Meanwhile, within Chang'an, an uprising also arose to 诛 Wang Mang. Wei Qiao then dispatched his generals in different directions to attack Longxi, Wudu, Jincheng, Wuwei, Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Dunhuang; all of these were captured.
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更始二年，遣使徵囂及崔、義等。囂將行，方望以為更始未可知，固止之，囂不聽。望以書辭謝而去，曰：「足下將建伊、呂之業，弘不世之功，而大事草創，英雄未集。以望異域之人，疵瑕未露，欲先崇郭隗，想望樂毅，故欽承大旨，順風不讓。將軍以至德尊賢，廣其謀慮，動有功，發中權，基業已定，大勳方緝。今俊乂並會，羽翮並肩，望無耆户之德，而猥託賓客之上，誠自愧也。雖懷介然之節，欲絜去就之分，誠終不背其本，貳其志也。何則？范蠡收責句踐。偏舟於五湖；舅犯謝罪文公，亦逡巡於河上。夫以二子之賢，勒銘兩國，猶削跡歸愆，請命乞身，望之無勞，蓋其宜也。望聞烏氏有龍池之山，微徑南通，與漢相屬，其傍時有奇人，聊及閑暇，廣求其真。願將軍勉之。」囂等遂至長安，更始以為右將軍，崔、義皆即舊號。其冬，崔、義謀欲叛歸，囂懼并禍，即以事告之，崔、義誅死。更始感囂忠，以為御史大夫。 |
| | In the second year of Gengshi, envoys were sent to summon Wei Qiao as well as Wei Cui and Wei Yi. Before Wei Qiao departed, Fang Wang believed that the future of Gengshi was uncertain and strongly advised against it; but Wei Qiao did not listen. Fang Wang declined with a letter and left, saying: "You are about to establish an achievement comparable to Yi Yin and Lü Shang, achieving an unparalleled feat. However, the great cause is still in its early stages, and heroes have not yet gathered. As a man from a distant land, I have not yet revealed my flaws. You wish to emulate Guo Wei by first honoring me in order to attract heroes like Yue Yi; therefore, I respectfully accept your intent and do not refuse this opportunity." "General, with your supreme virtue and respect for talent, you have broadened your strategies and considerations. Every action has achieved success, every decision has struck the right balance; now the foundation of your cause is already established, and great achievements are just beginning to take shape. Now, outstanding men of virtue have gathered together, their wings spread side by side. I lack the virtue of an elder statesman and yet am placed above as a guest; this truly makes me feel ashamed." "Although I hold to an upright and independent character, desiring to maintain the distinction between right and wrong, I will never betray my roots or waver in my resolve. Why is this so? Fan Li collected debts for Goujian. He sailed alone on the Five Lakes; Jiao Fan apologized to Duke Wen, yet hesitated by the river. Such were two virtuous men, whose names were inscribed in the annals of two states. Yet they still erased their traces and returned to acknowledge their faults, requesting permission to retire from public life. For me, who has achieved nothing, this is entirely appropriate. I have heard that Wushi has a mountain called Longchi, with a narrow southern path connecting to the Han territories. Occasionally there are extraordinary people living nearby; during my leisure time I would like to seek them out and discover their true nature. I hope General will strive for it." Wei Qiao and others then went to Chang'an, where Gengshi appointed Wei Qiao as Right General. Wei Cui and Wei Yi retained their former titles. That winter, Wei Cui and Wei Yi plotted to betray Gengshi and return. Fearing shared punishment, Wei Qiao informed them of the matter, and as a result, Wei Cui and Wei YI were executed. Gengshi was moved by Wei Qiao's loyalty and appointed him as Director of the Imperial Censorate (Yushi Dafu).
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明年夏，赤眉入關，三輔擾亂。流聞光武即位河北，囂即說更始歸政於光武叔父國三老良，更始不聽。諸將欲劫更始東歸，囂亦與通謀。事發覺，更始使使者召囂，囂稱疾不入，因會客王遵、周宗等勒兵自守。更始使執金吾鄧曄將兵圍囂，囂閉門拒守；至昏時，遂潰圍，與數十騎夜斬平城門關，亡歸天水。復招聚其眾，據故地，自稱西州上將軍。 |
| | The following summer, the Chimei rebels entered Guan Pass, causing chaos in the Three Fu regions. Upon hearing that Guangwu had been enthroned in Hebei, Wei Qiao advised Gengshi to transfer power to Liu Liang, the "Three Elders of the State" and uncle of Guangwu. However, Gengshi did not listen. The generals wanted to seize Gengshi and take him eastward back to his base, and Wei Qiao also participated in the plot. When the plot was discovered, Gengshi sent envoys to summon Wei Qiao. Wei Qiao claimed illness and refused to appear, instead gathering his guests Wang Zun, Zhou Zong, and others to prepare armed defense. Gengshi dispatched the Director of Gold-in-Hand Commandery Deng Ye with troops to surround Wei Qiao, who shut his gates and resisted. By dusk, he broke through the siege with dozens of horsemen, cut down the gate locks at Pingcheng Gate under cover of night, and fled back to Tianshui. He once again gathered his followers, occupied his former territory, and declared himself Supreme General of the Western State.
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及更始敗，三輔耆老士大夫皆奔歸囂。 |
| | After Gengshi's defeat, elderly scholars and gentry from the Three Fu regions all flocked to Wei Qiao.
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囂素謙恭愛士，傾身引接為布衣交。以前王莽平河大尹長安谷恭為掌野大夫，平陵范逡為師友，趙秉、蘇衡、鄭興為祭酒，申屠剛、杜林為持書，楊廣、王遵、周宗及平襄人行巡、阿陽人王捷、長陵人王元為大將軍，杜陵、金丹之屬為賓客。由此名震西州，聞於山東。 |
| | Wei Qiao had always been modest and respectful toward scholars, treating them as equals with sincerity. He appointed Gu Gong, former Director of the Yellow River under Wang Mang and native of Chang'an, as Field Director (Zhangye Dafu); Fan Jun from Pingling as Teacher Friend; Zhao Bing, Su Heng, and Zheng Xing as Chief Advisors (Ji Jiu); Shentugu Gang and Du Lin as Secretaries-in-Charge (Chishu); Yang Guang, Wang Zun, Zhou Zong and Hang Xun of Pingxiang, Wang Jie of Ayang, and Wang Yuan of Changling as Grand Generals; and Du Ling, Jin Dan and others as guests. As a result, his reputation spread throughout the Western State and reached the eastern regions (Shandong).
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建武二年，大司徒鄧禹西擊赤眉，屯雲陽。禹裨將馮愔引兵叛禹，西向天水，囂逆擊，破之於高平，盡獲輜重。於是禹承制遣使持節命囂為西州大將軍，得專制涼州、朔方事。及赤眉去長安，欲西上隴，囂遣將軍楊廣迎擊，破之，又追敗之於烏氏、涇陽閒。 |
| | In Jianwu Year 2, Grand Tutor Deng Yu marched west to attack the Chimei rebels and stationed his troops in Yunyang. Feng Yin, a subordinate general of Deng Yu, led his troops in rebellion against Deng Yu and marched west toward Tianshui. Wei Qiao intercepted them and defeated Feng Yin's forces at Gaoping, capturing all their supplies and equipment. As a result, Deng Yu, acting on imperial authority, sent envoys with ceremonial staffs to appoint Wei Qiao as Supreme General of the Western Region, granting him full authority over military and administrative affairs in Liangzhou and Shuofang. When the Chimei rebels withdrew from Chang'an and intended to advance westward into Long, Wei Qiao sent General Yang Guang to intercept them. He defeated them, then pursued and routed their forces again between Wuzhi and Jingyang.
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囂既有功於漢，又受鄧禹爵，署其腹心，議者多勸通使京師。三年，囂乃上書詣闕。光武素聞其風聲，報以殊禮，言稱字，用敵國之儀，所以慰藉之良厚。時陳倉人呂鮪擁眾數萬，與公孫述通，寇三輔。囂復遣兵佐征西大將軍馮異擊之，走鮪，遣使上狀。帝報以手書曰：「慕樂德義，思相結納。昔文王三分，猶服事殷。但駑馬鈆刀，不可強扶。數蒙伯樂一顧之價，而蒼蠅之飛，不過數步，即託驥尾，得以絕群。隔於盜賊，聲問不數。將軍操執款款，扶傾救危，南距公孫之兵，北禦羌胡之亂，是以馮異西征，得以數千百人躑躅三輔。微將軍之助，則咸陽已為他人禽矣。今關東寇賊，往往屯聚，志務廣遠，多所不暇，未能觀兵成都，與子陽角力。如令子陽到漢中、三輔，願因將軍兵馬，鼓旗相當。儻肯如言，蒙天之福，即智士計功割地之秋也。管仲曰：『生我者父母，成我者鮑子。』自今以後，手書相聞，勿用傍人解構之言。」自是恩禮愈篤。 |
| | Having rendered service to the Han dynasty and received a title from Deng Yu, Wei Qiao appointed loyal followers to key positions. Many advisors urged him to establish communication with the imperial court in Chang'an. In Jianwu Year 3, Wei Qiao submitted a memorial directly to the throne. Emperor Guangwu had long heard of Wei Qiao's reputation and responded with special honors, addressing him by his courtesy name and employing the ceremonial protocol used for equal states. The emperor showed great kindness in consoling and honoring him. At that time, Lü Yi of Chencang led tens of thousands of followers who were in contact with Gong Sunshu and raided the Three Fu regions. Wei Qiao again sent troops to assist General Feng Yi, the Western Expeditionary Commander-in-Chief, in attacking them. Lü Yi was driven away, and Wei Qiao dispatched envoys to report the victory. The emperor responded with a personal letter saying: "I admire your virtue and righteousness, and I long to establish a bond of friendship with you. In the past, King Wen of Zhou ruled over two-thirds of the realm but still served the Yin dynasty. But a weak horse and a lead sword cannot be forced to become strong. Though I have often been honored by your one glance of recognition, like the value given to a horse by its connoisseur, yet even a fly can only fly a few steps. Only by hitching my wagon to yours could I rise above the crowd. Separated by bandits and rebels, our communications have been infrequent. General, your sincere and steadfast conduct has supported the weak and rescued those in peril. To the south you resisted Gong Sunshu's forces, to the north you repelled the Qiang and Hu rebels; thus General Feng Yi was able to campaign westward with only thousands of men and make progress through the Three Fu regions despite difficulties. Without your assistance, Xianyang would already have fallen into enemy hands. Now in the eastern Guan region, bandits and rebels often gather in large numbers. My ambitions are broad and far-reaching, and I have many pressing matters to attend to; thus, I am unable at present to deploy troops toward Chengdu to confront Ziyang (Gong Sunshu) directly. Should Ziyang reach Hanzhong or the Three Fu regions, I hope to rely on your troops and horses to raise our banners in equal confrontation. If you would agree as proposed, it would be a blessing from heaven; this is precisely the time for wise men to calculate their achievements and divide the land. Guan Zhong said: "My parents gave me life, but Bao Zi helped me achieve success." From now on, let us correspond directly by hand-written letters and not be swayed by the divisive words of others." From then on, the emperor's kindness and courtesy toward him became even more sincere.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
其後公孫述數出兵漢中，遣使以大司空扶安王印綬授囂。囂自以與述敵國，恥為所臣，乃斬其使，出兵擊之，連破述軍，以故蜀兵不復北出。 |
| | Later, Gong Sunshu repeatedly sent troops to Hanzhong and dispatched envoys bearing the seal of Grand Minister Fu'an Wang to confer it upon Wei Qiao. Wei Qiao considered himself an equal to Gong Sunshu, and he was ashamed of being made a vassal. Therefore, he beheaded the envoy and sent troops against Gong Sunshu's forces. He repeatedly defeated them, so that from then on, Shu forces no longer advanced northward.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
時關中將帥數上書，言蜀可擊之狀，帝以示囂，因使討蜀，以效其信。囂乃遣長史上書，盛言三輔單弱，劉文伯在邊，未宜謀蜀。帝知囂欲持兩端，不願天下統一，於是稍黜其禮，正君臣之儀。 |
| | At that time, several generals in Guanzhong submitted memorials stating the conditions favorable for attacking Shu. The emperor showed these to Wei Qiao and thus ordered him to campaign against Shu as a test of his loyalty. Wei Qiao then sent his chief clerk to submit a memorial, strongly arguing that the Three Fu region was weak and vulnerable, with Liu Wenbo stationed at the frontier; it would not be appropriate to plan an attack on Shu. The emperor realized that Wei Qiao was trying to remain neutral and did not wish for the unification of the empire. Therefore, he gradually reduced the honors bestowed upon him and restored proper hierarchical relations between ruler and subject.
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初，囂與來歙、馬援相善，故帝數使歙、援奉使往來，勸令入朝，許以重爵。囂不欲東，連遣使深持謙辭，言無功德，須四方平定，退伏閭里。五年，復遣來歙說囂遣子入侍，囂聞劉永、彭寵皆已破滅，乃遣長子恂隨歙詣闕。以為胡騎校尉，封鐫羌侯。而囂將王元、王捷常以為天下成敗未可知，不願專心內事。元遂說囂曰：「昔更始西都，四方響應，天下喁喁，謂之太平。一旦敗壞，大王幾無所厝。今南有子陽，北有文伯，江湖海岱，王公十數，而欲牽儒生之說，棄千乘之基，羇旅危國，以求萬全，此循覆車之軌，計之不可者也。今天水完富，士馬最強，北收西河、上郡，東收三輔之地，案秦舊跡，表裏河山。元請以一丸泥為大王東封函谷關，此萬世一時也。若計不及此，且畜養士馬，據隘自守，曠日持久，以待四方之變，圖王不成，其弊猶足以霸。要之，魚不可脫於淵，神龍失埶，即還與蚯蚓同。」囂心然元計，雖遣子入質，猶負其險阨，欲專方面，於是游士長者，稍稍去之。 |
| | Initially, Wei Qiao had a good relationship with Lai Xi and Ma Yuan. Therefore, the emperor frequently sent Lai Xi and Ma Yuan as envoys to visit him, urging him to come to court and promising him high titles. Wei Qiao did not wish to go east, so he repeatedly sent envoys with humble replies, stating that he had no virtue or merit and would only withdraw into obscurity in his village once the empire was pacified. In Jianwu Year 5, the emperor again sent Lai Xi to persuade Wei Qiao to send his son as a court attendant. Upon hearing that Liu Yong and Peng Chong had both been defeated and destroyed, Wei Qiao dispatched his eldest son Wei Xun with Lai Xi to present himself at court. He was appointed as a Cavalry Commander (Huqi Jiao Wei) and enfeoffed as the Marquis of Juanqiang. However, Wei Qiao's generals Wang Yuan and Wang Jie often believed that the outcome of the empire was still uncertain and did not wish to commit fully to internal Han affairs. Wang Yuan then advised Wei Qiao: "In the past, when Gengshi established his western capital, all quarters responded. The people looked up to him in anticipation, calling it a time of peace and prosperity. But once he fell into disarray, Your Highness had almost nowhere to take refuge. Now, to the south there is Ziyang and to the north Wenbo. In the rivers, lakes, seas, and mountains, there are more than a dozen kings and dukes. Yet you wish to be bound by the words of Confucian scholars, abandon your foundation of thousands of chariots, wander as a refugee in dangerous lands, and seek absolute safety—this is following the path of past disasters and is an unwise plan." "Now, Tianshui remains prosperous and wealthy, with the strongest troops and horses. To the north we can reclaim Xihed and Shangjun; to the east we can take control of the Three Fu territories. Following Qin's former strategies, we will have rivers and mountains as our natural defenses." Wang Yuan requested to use a single ball of clay for Your Highness to seal the eastern gate at Hangu Pass—this is an opportunity that comes once in ten thousand years. "If Your Highness cannot think so far ahead, at least raise and train troops and horses, occupy strategic passes for self-defense, prolong the days in waiting for changes across all quarters. Even if we fail to achieve kingship, such a strategy would still be sufficient for dominance." In short, a fish cannot escape from the depths of water. A divine dragon without power is no different from an earthworm." Wei Qiao inwardly agreed with Wang Yuan's plan. Although he sent his son as a hostage, he still relied on the strategic advantages of his territory and desired to control a region independently. As a result, many traveling scholars and upright men gradually left him.
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六年，關東悉平。帝積苦兵閒，以囂子內侍，公孫述遠據邊陲，乃謂諸將曰：「且當置此兩子於度外耳。」因數騰書隴、蜀，告示禍福。囂賓客、掾史多文學生，每所上事，當世士大夫皆諷誦之，故帝有所辭荅，尤加意焉。囂復遣使周游詣闕，先到馮異營，游為仇家所殺。帝遣衛尉銚期持珍寶繒帛賜囂，期至鄭被盜，亡失財物。帝常稱囂長者，務欲招之，聞而歎曰：「吾與隗囂事欲不諧，使來見殺，得賜道亡。」 |
| | In Jianwu Year 6, all regions east of Guan were pacified. The emperor, weary from years of warfare, and considering that Wei Qiao's son was serving at court while Gong Sunshu remained far away in the frontier regions, said to his generals: "We should for now set these two aside and not concern ourselves with them." He therefore frequently sent letters to Longyou and Shu, informing them of the consequences of their choices—either calamity or fortune. Many of Wei Qiao's guests and officials were learned men well-versed in literature. Whatever they submitted, was recited by the scholars of the time; thus, whenever the emperor responded to them, he paid special attention to his wording. Wei Qiao again sent an envoy named Zhou You to court, but before reaching the camp of Feng Yi, Zhou You was killed by his enemies. The emperor sent Wei Wei, the Minister of Ceremonies (Weiyi), to bestow precious treasures and silk goods upon Wei Qiao. However, when Wei Qi reached Zheng, he was robbed and lost all the valuables. The emperor often praised Wei Qiao as a man of virtue and sincerity, always seeking to win him over. Upon hearing the news, he sighed and said: "My dealings with Wei Qiao have not gone smoothly; my envoy was killed on his way here, and even the gifts were lost along the road."
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會公孫述遣兵寇南郡，乃詔囂當從天水伐蜀，因此欲以潰其心腹。囂復上言：「白水險阻，棧閣絕敗。」又多設支閡。帝知其終不為用，叵欲討之。遂西幸長安，遣建威大將軍耿弇等七將軍從隴道伐蜀，先使來歙奉璽書喻旨。囂疑懼，即勒兵，使王元據隴坻，伐木塞道，謀欲殺歙。歙得亡歸。 |
| | At this time, Gong Sunshu sent troops to raid Nanjun. The emperor then issued an edict ordering Wei Qiao to march from Tianshui against Shu, hoping thereby to undermine his core supporters. Wei Qiao once again submitted a memorial stating: "The White River is treacherous and difficult to cross, and the 栈阁 (zhangge) roads are completely ruined." He also created many obstacles. The emperor realized that Wei Qiao would never be loyal and was considering launching a campaign against him. He then traveled west to Chang'an and dispatched General Geng Yan, the Commander-in-Chief of Western Expeditionary Forces, along with six other generals through the Long road to attack Shu. Beforehand, he sent Lai Xi bearing an imperial decree to convey his intentions. Wei Qiao became suspicious and fearful, immediately mobilizing his troops. He ordered Wang Yuan to occupy Longchi, cut down trees to block the roads, and plotted to kill Lai Xi. Lai Xi managed to escape back safely.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
諸將與囂戰，大敗，各引退。囂因使王元、巡侵三輔，征西大將軍馮異、征虜將軍祭遵等擊破之。囂乃上疏謝曰：「吏人聞大兵卒至，驚恐自救，臣囂不能禁止。兵有大利，不敢廢臣子之節，親自追還。昔虞舜事父，大杖則走，小杖則受。臣雖不敏，敢忘斯義。今臣之事，在於本朝，賜死則死，加刑則刑。如遂蒙恩，更得洗心，死骨不朽。」有司以囂言慢，請誅其子恂，帝不忍，復使來歙至汧，賜囂書曰：「昔柴將軍與韓信書云：『陛下寬仁，諸侯雖有亡叛而後歸，輒復位號，不誅也。』以囂文吏，曉義理，故復賜書。深言則似不遜，略言則事不決。今若束手，復遣恂弟歸闕庭者，則爵祿獲全，有浩大之福矣。吾年垂四十，在兵中十歲，厭浮語虛辭。即不欲，勿報。」囂知帝審其詐，遂遣使稱臣於公孫述。 |
| | The generals who fought against Wei Qiao were heavily defeated and each withdrew their forces. Wei Qiao then dispatched Wang Yuan and Hang Xun to invade the Three Fu regions, but General Feng Yi, Western Expeditionary Commander-in-Chief and General Jia Zun, the Southern Expeditionary General, defeated them. Wei Qiao then submitted a memorial to apologize, saying: "The officials and people heard of the sudden arrival of your troops, became frightened, and acted in self-defense. I, Wei Qiao, was unable to prevent them." Though there is great advantage in military action, I dared not abandon the conduct of a loyal subject and personally went after them to bring them back. In ancient times, Yu Shun served his father: if struck with a heavy rod, he would run away; if struck with a light one, he would accept it. Though I am not wise, how could I forget this principle? Now, my fate lies in the hands of your court. If you decree death, I shall die; if you impose punishment, I shall accept it. If Your Majesty shows me mercy and allows me to reform my heart, even my bones will not rot in death." The officials considered Wei Qiao's words disrespectful and requested the execution of his son, Wei Xun. However, the emperor could not bear to do so and again sent Lai Xi to Qian, delivering a letter to Wei Qiao that said: "In the past, General Chai wrote in a letter to Han Xin: 'His Majesty is broad-minded and merciful; even if feudal lords rebel and later return, they are always restored to their titles without punishment.'" Since Wei Qiao was a learned official who understood principles of righteousness, the emperor therefore sent him another letter. To speak in depth might seem disrespectful; to be brief would leave matters unresolved. Now, if you surrender and send Wei Xun's younger brother back to court, your titles and emoluments will be preserved, and great blessings will follow. I am now in my fortieth year and have spent ten years on the battlefield; I am tired of empty words and false flattery. If you do not wish to respond, say nothing." Wei Qiao realized that the emperor had seen through his deception and therefore sent envoys to submit as a vassal to Gong Sunshu.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
明年，述以囂為朔寧王，遣兵往來，為之援埶。秋，囂將步騎三萬侵安定，至陰槃，馮異率諸將拒之。囂又令別將下隴，攻祭遵於汧，兵並無利，乃引還。 |
| | The following year, Gong Sunshu conferred upon Wei Qiao the title of Shuning Wang and dispatched troops to move back and forth in support. In autumn, Wei Qiao led 30,000 infantry and cavalry to invade Aiding, reaching Yinpan. Feng Yi led his generals to resist him. Wei Qiao also ordered a separate general to descend the Long road and attack Jia Zun at Qian, but his forces suffered no success and withdrew.
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帝因令來歙以書招王遵，遵乃與家屬東詣京師，拜為太中大夫，封向義侯。遵字子春，霸陵人也。父為上郡太守。遵少豪俠，有才辯，雖與囂舉兵，而常有歸漢意。曾於天水私於來歙曰：「吾所以戮力不避矢石者，豈要爵位哉！徒以人思舊主，先君蒙漢厚恩，思效萬分耳。」又數勸囂遣子入侍，前後辭諫切甚，囂不從，故去焉。 |
| | The emperor then ordered Lai Xi to write a letter inviting Wang Zun. As a result, Wang Zun brought his family and traveled eastward to the capital, where he was appointed as Taizhong Dafu (Grand Minister of Central Affairs) and enfeoffed with the title Hou of Xiangyi. Wang Zun, courtesy name Zichun, was a native of Balin. His father had served as governor of Shangjun Commandery. Wang Zun was young, bold and chivalrous, with talent and eloquence. Although he had joined Wei Qiao in raising arms, he always harbored the intention of returning to Han allegiance. He once privately told Lai Xi in Tianshui: "The reason I have exerted myself without fear of arrows and stones is not for the sake of titles or positions! It is merely because people yearn for their former lord. My late father received great favors from Han, and I wish to repay even a fraction of that." He also repeatedly advised Wei Qiao to send his sons as court attendants. His earnest remonstrations were strong and frequent, but Wei Qiao did not follow them; thus he left.
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八年春，來歙從山道襲得略陽城。囂出不意，懼更有大兵，乃使王元拒隴坻，行巡守番須口，王孟塞雞頭道，牛邯軍瓦亭，囂自悉其大眾圍來歙。公孫述亦遣其將李育、田弇助囂攻略陽，連月不下。帝乃率諸將西征之，數道上隴，使王遵持節監大司馬吳漢留屯於長安。 |
| | In spring of Jianwu Year 8, Lai Xi launched a surprise attack through the mountainous route and captured Lueyang City. Taken by surprise, Wei Qiao feared the arrival of a larger force and therefore dispatched Wang Yuan to resist at Longchi, Hang Xun to defend Funusu Kou, Wang Meng to block Jitou Road, Niu Han to station troops at Wating, while Wei Qiao himself led his main forces in an encirclement against Lai Xi. Gong Sunshu also sent his generals Li Yu and Tian Yan to assist Wei Qiao in besieging Lueyang, but for months they could not capture it. The emperor then led his generals on a western campaign, advancing along multiple routes up the Long road. He ordered Wang Zun to hold the ceremonial staff and supervise Grand Marshal Wu Han, who was left in garrison at Chang'an.
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遵知囂必敗滅，而與牛邯舊故，知其有歸義意，以書喻之曰：「遵與隗王歃盟為漢，自經歷虎口，踐履死地，已十數矣。于時周洛以西無所統壹，故為王策，欲東收關中，北取上郡，進以奉天人之用，退以懲外夷之亂。數年之閒，冀聖漢復存，當挈河隴奉舊都以歸本朝。生民以來，臣人之埶，未有便於此時者也。而王之將吏，群居穴處之徒，人人扺掌，欲為不善之計。遵與孺卿日夜所爭，害幾及身者，豈一事哉！前計抑絕，後策不從，所以吟嘯扼腕，垂涕登車。幸蒙封拜，得延論議，每及西州之事，未嘗敢忘孺卿之言。今車駕大眾，已在道路，吳、耿驍將，雲集四境，而孺卿以奔離之卒，拒要扼，當軍衝，視其形埶何如哉？夫智者睹危思變，賢者泥而不滓，是以功名終申，策畫復得。故夷吾束縛而相齊，黥布杖劍以歸漢，去愚就義，功名並著。今孺卿當成敗之際，遇嚴兵之鋒，可為怖慄。宜斷之心胸，參之有識。」邯得書，沈吟十餘日，乃謝士眾，歸命洛陽，拜為太中大夫。於是囂大將十三人，屬縣十六，眾十餘萬，皆降。 |
| | Wang Zun knew that Wei Qiao was bound to be defeated, and since he had an old relationship with Niu Han, he understood that Niu Han harbored intentions of returning to loyalty. He therefore wrote a letter advising him: "I, Wang Zun, swore an oath with King Wei to serve Han. I have personally passed through the jaws of tigers and walked over death many times—more than ten occasions already. At that time, the regions west of Zhouluo were without unified leadership. Therefore, I advised King Wei's strategy: to move east and capture Guanzhong, northward to seize Shangjun Commandery—advancing to serve the people under heaven, retreating to punish the chaos caused by foreign tribes. After several years, I hoped that the holy Han dynasty would be restored; then I intended to bring together He and Long regions to support the old capital and return them to our imperial court. Since the beginning of mankind, there has never been a more favorable opportunity for subjects to serve their ruler than at this time. Yet the generals and officials of King Wei are merely a crowd of people hiding in holes, each one rubbing their palms together, eager to devise wicked plans. Wang Zun and Ruqing have struggled day and night; how many times have they narrowly escaped danger threatening their own lives! It is not just one incident! Earlier plans were rejected, and later strategies went unheeded—this is why I sighed in frustration, clenched my wrists in sorrow, and wept as I boarded the carriage. I am fortunate to have been granted an official title and allowed to offer my opinions; whenever I speak of matters in the Western States, I have never dared forget Ruqing's words. Now the imperial army and its large forces are already on the road, while Wu and Geng's elite generals have gathered in clouds around all four borders. Yet Ruqing leads a scattered and fleeing force to resist at key passes and confront the main enemy—what do you think of his situation? A wise person, upon seeing danger, thinks of change; a virtuous person remains muddied but not tainted. That is why their achievements and reputation eventually flourish, and their strategies are once again realized. Therefore, Yiwu was bound in chains yet became prime minister of Qi; Qing Bu wielded a sword and submitted to Han. They abandoned foolishness for righteousness, and both achieved fame and glory. Now Ruqing is at the crossroads of success or failure, facing the sharp edge of a powerful army—this is truly terrifying. You should make up your mind decisively and consult those with insight." Niu Han received the letter, pondered for more than ten days, then bid farewell to his soldiers and surrendered at Luoyang. He was appointed as Taizhongdafa (Grand Middle Doctor). At this time, thirteen of Wei Qiao's top generals, sixteen subordinate counties, and more than 100,000 troops all surrendered.
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王元入蜀求救，囂將妻子奔西城，從楊廣，而田弇、李育保上邽。詔告囂曰：「若束手自詣，父子相見，保無佗也。高皇帝云：『橫來，大者王，小者侯。』若遂欲為黥布者，亦自任也。」囂終不降。於是誅其子恂，使吳漢與征南大將軍岑彭圍西城，耿弇與虎牙大將軍蓋延圍上邽。車駕東歸。月餘，楊廣死，囂窮困。其大將王捷別在戎丘，登城呼漢軍曰：「隗王城守者，皆必死無二心！願諸軍亟罷，請自殺以明之。」遂自刎頸死。數月，王元、行巡、周宗將蜀救兵五千餘人，乘高卒至，鼓譟大呼曰：「百萬之眾方至！」漢軍大驚，未及成陳，元等決圍，殊死戰，遂得入城，迎囂歸冀。會吳漢等食盡退去，於是安定、北地、天水、隴西復反為囂。 |
| | Wang Yuan fled to Shu for reinforcements, while Wei Qiao took his wife and children to Xicheng, following Yang Guang. Meanwhile, Tian Yan and Li Yu defended Shanggui. An imperial edict was issued to Wei Qiao: "If you surrender yourself and come in person, father and son will be reunited, and there will be no other harm. The High Emperor once said: "Those who surrender horizontally, the great shall become kings, the small shall become marquises." "If you insist on being like Qing Bu, then it is your own choice." Wei Qiao ultimately did not surrender. Thus, his son Wei Xun was executed. Wu Han and the Southern Expeditionary General Cen Peng were ordered to besiege Xicheng; Geng Yan and the Tiger Tooth General Gai Yan were assigned to surround Shanggui. The imperial procession returned eastward. After more than a month, Yang Guang died and Wei Qiao found himself in dire straits. His top general Wang Jie, stationed separately at Rongqiu, climbed onto the city wall and called out to the Han army: "The defenders of King Wei's city are all prepared to die without any second thoughts! We only ask that your forces withdraw immediately. I will commit suicide to prove this." He then cut his own throat and died. After several months, Wang Yuan, Hang Xun, and Zhou Zong led more than 5,000 Sichuan relief troops who suddenly arrived from a high position. They beat drums and shouted loudly: "A hundred thousand soldiers are coming!" The Han army was greatly startled and had not yet formed a battle formation when Wang Yuan's forces broke through the encirclement, fighting to the death. Thus they managed to enter the city and escort Wei Qiao back to Ji. At this time, Wu Han's forces ran out of supplies and withdrew. Consequently, the commanderies of Pingding, Beidi, Tianshui, and Longxi once again rebelled in support of Wei Qiao.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
九年春，囂病且餓，出城餐糗糒，恚憤而死。王元、周宗立囂少子純為王。明年，來歙、耿弇、蓋延等攻破落門，周宗、行巡、苟宇、趙恢等將純降。宗、恢及諸隗分徙京師以東，純與巡、宇徙弘農。唯王元留為蜀將。及輔威將軍臧宮破延岑，元舉眾詣宮降。 |
| | In spring of Year 9, Wei Qiao fell ill and was starving; he left the city to eat dried grain and provisions. Filled with anger and frustration, he died. Wang Yuan and Zhou Zong declared Wei Qiao's youngest son, Chun, as king. The following year, Lai Xi, Geng Yan, and Gai Yan attacked and captured Luomen. Zhou Zong, Hang Xun, Gou Yu, Zhao Hui, and others led Chun in surrendering. Zhou Zong, Zhao Hui and the various Weis were relocated east of the capital city; Chun, Hang Xun, and Gou Yu were moved to Hongnong. Only Wang Yuan remained as a general in Shu. When General Fuwei Zang Gong defeated Yan Cen, Wang Yuan surrendered with his entire force to Zang Gong.
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元字惠孟，初拜上蔡令，遷東平相，坐墾田不實，下獄死。 |
| | Wang Yuan, courtesy name Huimeng, was initially appointed as the magistrate of Shangcai and later promoted to xiang (governor) of Dongping. He was imprisoned and died after being found guilty of falsely reporting cultivated land.
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牛邯字孺卿，狄道人。有勇力才氣，雄於邊垂。及降，大司空司直杜林、太中大夫馬援並薦之，以為護羌校尉，與來歙平隴右。 |
| | Niu Han, courtesy name Ruqing, was a native of Didao. He possessed bravery, strength, and talent, standing out as a formidable figure on the frontier. After his surrender, Grand Censor Du Lin and Taizhongdafa Ma Yuan both recommended him. He was appointed as Huqiang Jiao Wei (Commander of the Qiang Defense) and served with Lai Xi to pacify Longyou.
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十八年，純與賓客數十騎亡入胡，至武威，捕得，誅之。 |
| | In Year 18, Chun fled into the Hu territories with dozens of his guests and a few horsemen. He reached Wuliang but was captured and executed.
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論曰：隗囂援旗糾族，假制明神，跡夫創圖首事，有以識其風矣。終於孤立一隅，介于大國，隴坻雖隘，非有百二之埶，區區兩郡，以禦堂堂之鋒，至使窮廟策，竭征徭，身歿眾解，然後定之。則知其道有足懷者，所以棲有四方之桀，士至投死絕亢而不悔者矣。夫功全則譽顯，業謝則釁生，回成喪而為其議者，或未聞焉。若囂命會符運，敵非天力，雖坐論西伯，豈多嗤乎？ |
| | Commentary: Wei Qiao raised his banner, rallied his clan, and claimed authority in the name of a divine mandate. Considering how he initiated plans and took action first, one can discern the nature of his character. In the end, he remained isolated in a corner, sandwiched between powerful states. Though Longchi was narrow and lacked the strategic advantage of a hundred-to-two ratio (a reference to strong defensive terrain), with only two small commanderies, he dared to resist the overwhelming might of the Han forces. This led to exhausting temple strategies, draining military resources and conscript labor, until his death and the collapse of his followers before peace was finally restored. This shows that there were indeed aspects of Wei Qiao's conduct and principles worthy of admiration, which is why he was able to attract outstanding individuals from all directions. These men even risked death and ultimate failure without regret. When achievements are complete, reputation becomes prominent; when endeavors fail, blame arises. Those who reflect on past successes and losses to form their judgments—such people have rarely been heard of. If Wei Qiao had encountered a more favorable fate and faced enemies not as overwhelming as the will of heaven, even if he merely discussed matters like King Xi Bo (a virtuous ruler from ancient times), would he have been so ridiculed?
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公孫述字子陽，扶風茂陵人也。哀帝時，以父任為郎。後父仁為河南都尉，而述補清水長。仁以述年少，遣門下掾隨之官。月餘，掾辭歸，白仁曰：「述非待教者也。」後太守以其能，使兼攝五縣，政事修理，姦盜不發，郡中謂有鬼神。王莽天鳳中，為導江卒正，居臨邛，復有能名。 |
| | Gong Sunshu, courtesy name Ziyang, was a native of Maoling, Fufeng. During the reign of Emperor Ai, he became an officer by virtue of his father's position. Later, when his father Gong Sun Ren served as Commandant of Henan, Gong Sunshu was appointed to serve as magistrateship in Qingshui. Gong Sun Ren thought his son was too young and sent a clerk from the gatehouse to accompany him on official duty. After more than a month, the clerk bid farewell and returned home, reporting to Gong Sun Ren: "Gong Sunshu is not someone who needs instruction." Later, the governor of the commandery, recognizing his ability, assigned him to concurrently oversee five counties. Under his administration, affairs were well managed; no thieves or corrupt officials emerged, and people in the region believed he was assisted by ghosts and gods. During the Tianfeng period of Wang Mang's reign, he served as Daodong Cuzheng (a local official title) in Linqiong and again earned a reputation for his competence.
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及更始立，豪傑各起其縣以應漢，南陽人宗成自稱「虎牙將軍」，入略漢中；又商人王岑亦起兵於雒縣，自稱「定漢將軍」，殺王莽庸部牧以應成，眾合數萬人。述聞之，遣使迎成等。成等至成都，虜掠暴橫。述意惡之，召縣中豪桀謂曰：「天下同苦新室，思劉氏久矣，故聞漢將軍到，馳迎道路。今百姓無辜而婦子係獲，室屋燒燔，此寇賊，非義兵也。吾欲保郡自守，以待真主。諸卿欲并力者即留，不欲者便去。」豪桀皆叩頭曰：「願效死。」述於是使人詐稱漢使者自東方來，假述輔漢將軍、蜀郡太守兼益州牧印綬。乃選精兵千餘人，西擊成等。比至成都，眾數千人，遂攻成，大破之。成將垣副殺成，以其眾降。二年秋，更始遣柱功侯李寶、益州刺史張忠，將兵萬餘人徇蜀、漢。述恃其地險眾附，有自立志，乃使其弟恢於綿竹擊寶、忠，大破走之。由是威震益部。 |
| | When the Gengshi regime was established, local heroes and leaders in various counties rose up to support Han. A native of Nanyang named Zong Cheng declared himself "Tiger Tooth General" and entered Hanzhong for plundering raids; Meanwhile, a merchant named Wang Cen also raised troops in Luoxian and declared himself "Dinghan General," killing Wang Mang's governor of Yongbu to support Zong Cheng. Together they gathered tens of thousands of followers. Gong Sunshu heard about this and sent envoys to welcome Zong Cheng and others. Zong Cheng's forces arrived at Chengdu, where they committed looting and behaved brutally and recklessly. Gong Sunshu disliked this and summoned the local heroes, saying to them: "The people throughout the land suffer equally under the Xin regime. They have longed for the Liu family for a long time; that is why they rushed out along the roads to welcome the Han generals. Now, innocent civilians are being captured with their wives and children, homes burned down—these are bandits, not righteous troops. I wish to protect the commandery and defend it myself while waiting for a true ruler. Those among you who wish to join forces with me may stay; those who do not, may leave." The local heroes all knelt and said: "We are willing to lay down our lives for you." Gong Sunshu then sent someone to falsely claim the title of Han imperial envoy from the east, bestowing on himself the seals and insignia of Assistant General for Assisting Han, Governor of Shu Jun, and concurrently Inspector of Yizhou. He then selected more than a thousand elite soldiers to attack Zong Cheng's forces in the west. By the time they reached Chengdu, their numbers had grown into several thousands. They attacked Zong Cheng and decisively defeated him. Zong Cheng's general Yuan Fu killed his commander and surrendered with the rest of his forces. In autumn of Year 2, Gengshi dispatched Zhugong Hou Li Bao and Yizhou Cishi Zhang Zhong with more than ten thousand troops to pacify Shu and Han. Gong Sunshu relied on the region's natural defenses and his growing following, becoming increasingly self-assured. He sent his younger brother Gong Sun Hui to attack Li Bao and Zhang Zhong at Mianzhu, decisively defeating them and driving them away. From then on, he gained a reputation for power that shook the entire Yizhou region.
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功曹李熊說述曰：「方今四海波蕩，匹夫橫議。將軍割據千里，地什湯武，若奮威德以投天隙，霸王之業成矣。宜改名號，以鎮百姓。」述曰：「吾亦慮之，公言起我意。」於是自立為蜀王，都成都。 |
| | Gongcao Li Xiong advised Gong Sunshu: "At present, the seas are in turmoil and even commoners dare to voice their opinions. With your command over a thousand li of territory, surpassing the achievements of Tang and Wu in terms of landholdings, if you now exert your might and virtue to seize the opportunity from heaven, the great cause of becoming a hegemon or emperor will be accomplished. You should change your title and name in order to stabilize the people." Gong Sunshu replied: "I have also been considering this. Your words have inspired me." Thus, he declared himself King of Shu and established his capital at Chengdu.
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蜀地肥饒，兵力精強，遠方士庶多往歸之，邛、笮君長皆來貢獻。李熊復說述曰：「今山東飢饉，人庶相食；兵所屠滅，城邑丘墟。蜀地沃野千里，土壤膏腴，果實所生，無穀而飽。女工之業，覆衣天下。名材竹幹，器械之饒，不可勝用。又有魚鹽銅銀之利，浮水轉漕之便。北據漢中，杜褒、斜之險；東守巴郡，拒扞關之口；地方數千里，戰士不下百萬。見利則出兵而略地，無利則堅守而力農。東下漢水以窺秦地，南順江流以震荊、楊。所謂用天因地，成功之資。今君王之聲，聞於天下，而名號未定，志士狐疑，宜即大位，使遠人有所依歸。」述曰：「帝王有命，吾何足以當之？」熊曰：「天命無常，百姓與能。能者當之，王何疑焉！」述夢有人語之曰：「八厶子系，十二為期。」覺，謂其妻曰：「雖貴而祚短，若何？」妻對曰：「朝聞道，夕死尚可，況十二乎！」會有龍出其府殿中，夜有光耀，述以為符瑞，因刻其掌，文曰「公孫帝」。建武元年四月，遂自立為天子，號成家。色尚白。建元曰龍興元年。以李熊為大司徒，以其弟光為大司馬，恢為大司空。改益州為司隸校尉，蜀郡為成都尹。 |
| | Shu was a fertile and prosperous land, with strong and well-equipped troops. Many scholars and common people from distant regions came to submit themselves under his rule; the chieftains of Qiong and Zuo also sent tribute. Li Xiong once again advised Gong Sunshu: "Now, in the eastern regions, there is famine and hunger; people are eating each other. The cities and towns have been reduced to ruins by warfare. Shu's land is fertile for a thousand li, with rich soil and abundant fruits that provide fullness even without grain. The textile industry of its women provides clothing for the entire world. Its famous timber and bamboo, as well as abundant materials for weapons and tools, are inexhaustible in supply. In addition, there are the benefits of fish, salt, copper, and silver, as well as convenient waterways for transporting goods by boat. To the north, it holds Hanzhong and controls the perilous passes of Bao and Xie; to the east, it guards Bazhou Commandery and blocks the entrance to Hanguan Pass. The land spans thousands of li, with no fewer than a million soldiers ready for battle. When opportunity arises, we send out troops to seize territory; when it does not, we firmly defend and focus on agriculture. Marching east along the Hanshui River to probe into Qin territory, or moving south with the flow of the Yangtze to threaten Jing and Yang regions. This is what it means to use heaven's timing and take advantage of the land—resources for achieving success. Now, your Majesty's reputation has spread throughout the land, yet your title remains undetermined. Ambitious men are uncertain and hesitant; you should immediately assume the imperial throne so that distant people have a clear place to look up to." Gong Sunshu said: "The title of emperor is bestowed by heaven. How can I possibly be worthy of it?" Li Xiong replied: "Heaven's mandate is not fixed; the people follow those who are capable. Those with ability should claim it—how can you, King, still hesitate?" Gong Sunshu dreamed that someone told him: "Eight 's' characters form a name; twelve years is the limit." After waking, he said to his wife: "Though I may become powerful, my destiny will be short. What can we do about it?" His wife replied: "To hear the Way in the morning and die at night is still acceptable; how much more so for twelve years!" At this time, a dragon emerged from the hall of his residence. At night there was brilliant light; Gong Sunshu took it as an omen and therefore carved the words "Gongsun Di" on his palm. In the first month of Jianwu year one (April 25 AD), he declared himself emperor, establishing the dynasty name Chengjia. The color favored was white. He established a new era name, Longxing Yuan Nian. He appointed Li Xiong as Taishitu (Grand Tutor), his younger brother Gong Sun Guang as Taishi Ma (Grand Marshal), and Gong Sun Hui as Taikong (Grand Works Minister). He changed Yizhou into Sili Jiao Wei, and Shu Jun into Chengdu Yin.
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越巂任貴亦殺王莽大尹而據郡降。述遂使將軍侯丹開白水關，北守南鄭；將軍任滿從閬中下江州，東據扞關。於是盡有益州之地。 |
| | Yue Xi Ren Gui also killed Wang Mang's Da Yin (Grand Administrator) and occupied the commandery, surrendering to him. Gong Sunshu then sent General Hou Dan to open Baisui Guan (White Water Pass), stationing troops in the north to defend Nanzheng; General Ren Man marched from Langzhong down to Jiangzhou, occupying Hanguan Pass to the east. Thus he came to fully control all of Yizhou territory.
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自更始敗後，光武方事山東，未遑西伐。關中豪桀呂鮪等往往擁眾以萬數，莫知所屬，多往歸述，皆拜為將軍。遂大作營壘，陳車騎，肄習戰射，會聚兵甲數十萬人，積糧漢中，築宮南鄭。又造十層赤樓帛蘭船。多刻天下牧守印章，備置公卿百官。使將軍李育、程烏將數萬眾出陳倉，與呂鮪徇三輔。三年，征西將軍馮異擊鮪、育於陳倉，大敗之，鮪、育奔漢中。五年，延岑、田戎為漢兵所敗，皆亡入蜀。 |
| | liners After the defeat of Guang Shi, Emperor Guangwu was preoccupied with affairs in Shandong and had no time to launch a western campaign. Powerful local leaders in Guanzhong, such as Lü Liang, often gathered tens of thousands of followers; uncertain where to pledge allegiance, many went over to Gong Sunshu, who appointed them all as generals. He then built large military camps, deployed chariots and cavalry, trained troops in warfare and archery, gathered hundreds of thousands of soldiers, stockpiled grain in Hanzhong, and constructed palaces in Nanzheng. He also built ten-story red-towered silk-lan boats. He had many seals of governors and magistrates from all over the land carved, and prepared positions for chancellors, ministers, and hundreds of officials. He sent General Li Yu and Cheng Wu with tens of thousands of troops out from Chen Cang, joining Lü Liang to campaign in the Three Fu regions. In the third year, the Western Expedition General Feng Yi attacked Lü Liang and Yu at Chen Cang and defeated them decisively; Lü Liang and Yu fled to Hanzhong. In the fifth year, Yan Cen and Tian Rong were defeated by Han forces and both fled into Shu.
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岑字叔牙，南陽人。始起據漢中，又擁兵關西，關西所在破散，走至南陽，略有數縣。戎，汝南人。初起兵夷陵，轉寇郡縣，眾數萬人。岑、戎並與秦豐合，豐俱以女妻之。及豐敗，故二人皆降於述。述以岑為大司馬，封汝寧王，戎翼江王。六年，述遣戎與將軍任滿出江關，下臨沮、夷陵閒，招其故眾，因欲取荊州諸郡，竟不能剋。 |
| | Yan Cen, courtesy name Shuya, was a native of Nanyang. Initially he rose to control Hanzhong and then gathered troops in the western Guan region. After his forces were defeated and scattered throughout the western Guan, he fled to Nanyang, where he briefly controlled several counties. Tian Rong was a native of Ru'nan. Initially, he raised troops in Yiling and moved about raiding commanderies and counties, gathering tens of thousands of followers. Yan Cen and Tian Rong both allied with Qin Feng, who gave his daughters in marriage to them. After Qin Feng's defeat, the two men therefore surrendered to Gong Sunshu. Gong Sunshu appointed Yan Cen as Taishi Ma (Grand General) and made him the Prince of Runing, while Tian Rong was granted the title of Yijiang Wang. In the sixth year, Gong Sunshu sent Tian Rong and General Ren Man out through Jiangguan Pass to descend upon the area between Linju and Yiling. They sought to recruit their former followers and intended to seize all the commanderies of Jingzhou, but ultimately failed to achieve this goal.
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是時，述廢銅錢，置鐵官錢，百姓貨幣不行。蜀中童謠言曰：「黃牛白腹，五銖當復。」好事者竊言王莽稱「黃」，述自號「白」，五銖錢，漢貨也，言天下當并還劉氏。述亦好為符命鬼神瑞應之事，妄引讖記。以為孔子作春秋，為赤制而斷十二公，明漢至平帝十二代，歷數盡也，一姓不得再受命。又引錄運法曰：「廢昌帝，立公孫。」括地象曰：「帝軒轅受命，公孫氏握。」援神契曰：「西太守，乙卯金。」謂西方太守而乙絕卯金也。五德之運，黃承赤而白繼黃，金據西方為白德，而代王氏，得其正序。又自言手文有奇，及得龍興之瑞。數移書中國，冀以感動眾心。帝患之，乃與述書曰：「圖讖言『公孫』，即宣帝也。代漢者當塗高，君豈高之身邪？乃復以掌文為瑞，王莽何足效乎！君非吾賊臣亂子，倉卒時人皆欲為君事耳，何足數也。君日月已逝，妻子弱小，當早為定計，可以無憂。天下神器，不可力爭，宜留三思。」署曰「公孫皇帝」。述不荅。 |
| | At that time, Gong Sunshu abolished copper coins and introduced iron coinage from the state mint, causing currency to become ineffective among the people. A children's rhyme circulated in Shu said: "Yellow ox with white belly, five-zhu coins will return." Those who paid attention to omens whispered that Wang Mang had claimed the "yellow" designation, while Gong Sunshu called himself "white." The five-zhu coin was Han currency; this rhyme implied that all under heaven would once again return to the Liu family. Gong Sunshu also enjoyed fabricating omens, signs of divine favor, and miraculous events involving gods and spirits, recklessly citing prophecies. He claimed that Confucius wrote the Spring and Autumn Annals to establish a red mandate, ending with twelve dukes; this demonstrated that from Han Gaozu to Emperor Ping of Han, there were twelve generations, and thus the Mandate of Heaven had ended—no one family could receive it twice. He also cited a passage from the Lu Yun Fa (Book of Fate and Destiny) that said: "Depose Emperor Chang, establish Gongsun." The Kuodi Xiang (Map of the Earth's Form) stated: "Emperor Xuanyuan received the Mandate; the Gongsun family holds it." The Yuan Shen Qi (Record of Divine Accord) said: "Western governor, Yi Mao gold." It meant that the Western Governor would be cut off from the power of Yin and Mao. According to the Five Virtues theory, yellow succeeds red while white follows yellow; gold occupies the west and represents the virtue of whiteness, thus succeeding the Wang family in accordance with the proper sequence. He also claimed that his palm bore unusual patterns, and he had received the omen of Longxing. He frequently sent letters to the central lands, hoping thereby to stir the hearts of the people. The emperor was troubled by this and thus wrote to Gong Sunshu: "The prophecy mentioning 'Gongsun' refers to Emperor Xuan. He who will replace the Han is Daitu Gao; could you possibly be that person?" You even take your palm lines as omens—how much more should one follow Wang Mang's example! You are not my traitorous minister or rebel son; in times of chaos, many people wanted to serve you—how worthy is that? Your days are numbered, and your wife and children are weak; you should quickly make a plan to ensure peace of mind. The mandate of heaven is a sacred treasure that cannot be seized by force—this matter deserves careful consideration." He signed himself as "Gongsun Huangdi" (Emperor Gongsun). Gong Sunshu did not reply.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
明年，隗囂稱臣於述。述騎都尉平陵人荊邯見東方將平，兵且西向，說述曰：「兵者，帝王之大器，古今所不能廢也。昔秦失其守，豪桀並起，漢祖無前人之跡，立錐之地，起於行陣之中，躬自奮擊，兵破身困者數矣。然軍敗復合，創愈復戰。何則？前死而成功，踰於卻就於滅亡也。隗囂遭遇運會，割有雍州，兵強士附，威加山東。遇更始政亂，復失天下，眾庶引領，四方瓦解。囂不及此時推危乘勝，以爭天命，而退欲為西伯之事，尊師章句，賓友處士，偃武息戈，卑辭事漢，喟然自以文王復出也。令漢帝釋關隴之憂，專精東伐，四分天下而有其三；使西州豪傑咸居心於山東，發閒使，招攜貳，則五分而有其四；若舉兵天水，必至沮潰，天水既定，則九分而有其八。陛下以梁州之地，內奉萬乘，外給三軍，百姓愁困，不堪上命，將有王氏自潰之變。臣之愚計，以為宜及天下之望未絕，豪傑尚可招誘，急以此時發國內精兵，令田戎據江陵，臨江南之會，倚巫山之固，築壘堅守，傳檄吳、楚，長沙以南必隨風而靡。令延岑出漢中，定三輔，天水、隴西拱手自服。如此，海內震搖，冀有大利。」述以問群臣。博士吳柱曰：「昔武王伐殷，先觀兵孟津，八百諸侯不期同辭，然猶還師以待天命。未聞無左右之助，而欲出師千里之外，以廣封疆者也。」邯曰：「今東帝無尺土之柄，驅烏合之眾，跨馬陷敵，所向輒平。不亟乘時與之分功，而坐談武王之說，是效隗囂欲為西伯也。」述然邯言，欲悉發北軍屯士及山東客兵，使延岑、田戎分出兩道，與漢中諸將合兵并埶。蜀人及其弟光以為不宜空國千里之外，決成敗於一舉，固爭之，述乃止。延岑、田戎亦數請兵立功，終疑不聽。 |
| | The following year, Wei Qiao submitted to Gong Sunshu as a vassal. Gong Sunshu's cavalry commander Jing Han, a native of Pingling, observed that the eastern front was about to be pacified and that troops were preparing to move westward. He advised Gong Sunshu: "The military is the great instrument of emperors; it has never been abandoned in ancient or modern times. "In the past, when Qin lost its hold, powerful men rose up together. Emperor Gaozu of Han had no precedent to follow and not even a place to put his hat; he arose from among the ranks, personally leading campaigns and suffering many defeats and hardships. "Yet whenever his army was defeated, it would regroup, and when wounded, he would fight again. "Why? Because he had the Mandate of Heaven." It was better to die first and achieve success than to retreat and face destruction. Wei Qiao encountered a favorable opportunity, carved out control over Yongzhou, had strong troops and loyal followers, and extended his authority to the east of the Hangu Pass. When Guang Shi's rule became chaotic, he lost control over all under heaven; the common people looked on in expectation and the four directions collapsed. Wei Qiao failed to seize the opportunity at this critical moment, when danger and victory were in his hands, to contend for the Mandate of Heaven. Instead, he withdrew with the intention of emulating King Wen of Zhou, respecting scholars who expounded classical texts, entertaining reclusive sages as guests, ceasing military action, using humble words to serve Han, and sighing proudly as if reborn as King Wen. This allowed the Han emperor to relieve his concerns about Guan and Long, concentrate on eastern campaigns, and control three out of four parts of the realm; he caused powerful men in Western states to focus their ambitions on the east, sending secret envoys and recruiting wavering factions—thus gaining four out of five parts. If he had raised troops in Tianshui, it would have certainly led to collapse; once Tianshui was secured, eight out of nine parts of the realm would be under his control. Your Majesty, relying on the land of Liangzhou alone, must internally support a great court and externally supply three armies. The people are distressed and weary from bearing imperial burdens; there will soon be an internal collapse like that which befell the Wang family. In my humble opinion, we should act while the people's hopes have not yet faded and powerful men are still open to persuasion. We must urgently mobilize our finest troops within the country at this moment, ordering Tian Rong to occupy Jiangling, controlling the strategic confluence of the southern Yangtze, relying on the natural strength of Wushan Mountain, building strong fortifications for defense, issuing proclamations to Wu and Chu regions. The area south of Changsha will surely fall like dry grass before the wind. Order Yan Cen to march out from Hanzhong and pacify the Three Fu regions; Tianshui and Longxi will then surrender without resistance. If this is done, all under heaven will be shaken, and great benefits may yet be gained." Gong Sunshu consulted his ministers about the matter. The Doctor of Literature Wu Zhu said: "In the past, King Wu of Zhou attacked Yin (Shang), first mustering his troops at Mengjin. Eight hundred feudal lords spontaneously arrived with one voice; yet he still returned his army to await the Mandate of Heaven." "I have never heard of a ruler without support from left and right who dares to launch an expedition thousands of li away in order to expand territory." Jing Han replied: "Now, the Eastern Emperor holds not even a single inch of land and commands only an undisciplined rabble. Yet he rides into battle, charges at the enemy on horseback, and wherever he goes, victory follows." "If we do not seize this opportunity to divide the spoils with him but instead sit idly discussing King Wu's example, it is merely imitating Wei Qiao's attempt to be a Western Lord." Gong Sunshu agreed with Jing Han's words and wished to mobilize all the northern army garrisons as well as the guest troops from east of the Hangu, ordering Yan Cen and Tian Rong to lead two separate forces that would join up with the generals in Hanzhong for a combined advance. The people of Shu and his younger brother Gong Sun Guang believed it unwise to empty the country for a decisive battle thousands of li away, strongly opposing this plan. Gong Sunshu therefore abandoned the idea. Yan Cen and Tian Rung also repeatedly requested troops to establish merit, but in the end were doubted and not given permission.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
述性苛細，察於小事。敢誅殺而不見大體，好改易郡縣官名。然少為郎，習漢家制度，出入法駕，鑾旗旄騎，陳置陛戟，然後輦出房闥。又立其兩子為王，食犍為、廣漢各數縣。群臣多諫，以為成敗未可知，戎士暴露，而遽王皇子，示無大志，傷戰士心。述不聽。唯公孫氏得任事，由此大臣皆怨。 |
| | Gong Sunshu was by nature strict and meticulous, paying close attention to small matters. He dared to execute people without considering the bigger picture and enjoyed changing the names of commandery and county officials. Yet, when he was young, he had served as a Lang officer and became familiar with the Han dynasty's systems. He insisted on formal processions: imperial carriages, banners, standard-bearers, mounted guards, halberds placed at the palace steps—only after all these were arranged would he ride out from his chambers. He also declared his two sons as kings, granting them several counties each in Qianwei and Guanghan for their fiefs. Many of his ministers advised against this, arguing that the outcome of success or failure was still uncertain; soldiers were enduring hardships in battle, yet suddenly granting royal titles to his sons would show a lack of grand ambition and wound the morale of the troops. Gong Sunshu refused to listen. Only members of the Gongsun clan were entrusted with important duties, and because of this, all high-ranking officials resented him.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
八年，帝使諸將攻隗囂，述遣李育將萬餘人救囂。囂敗，并沒其軍，蜀地聞之恐動。述懼，欲安眾心。成都郭外有秦時舊倉，述改名白帝倉，自王莽以來常空。述即詐使人言白帝倉出穀如山陵，百姓空市里往觀之。述乃大會群臣，問曰：「白帝倉竟出穀乎？」皆對言「無」。述曰：「訛言不可信，道隗王破者復如此矣。」俄而囂將王元降，述以為將軍。明年，使元與領軍環安拒河池，又遣田戎及大司徒任滿、南郡太守程汎將兵下江關，破虜將軍馮駿等，拔巫及夷陵、夷道，因據荊門。 |
| | In the eighth year, Emperor Guangwu sent his generals to attack Wei Qiao; Gong Sunshu dispatched Li Yu with more than ten thousand men to rescue him. Wei Qiao was defeated, and his entire army was captured—news of this spread through Shu territory, causing alarm and unrest. Gong Sunshu grew fearful and wished to calm the people's anxieties. Outside Chengdu there was an old granary from the Qin dynasty; Gong Sunshu renamed it Baidi Cang. Since Wang Mang's time, it had always been empty. Gong Sunshu immediately sent people to falsely claim that grain was spilling from the Baidi Cang like a mountain, drawing crowds of commoners from empty streets and alleys to come and see. Gong Sunshu then held a grand assembly with his ministers and asked: "Does the Baidi Cang really produce grain?" All answered that there was none. Gong Sunshu said: "False rumors cannot be trusted; this is the same as when people spread news of Wei Wang's defeat." Soon after, Wei Qiao's general Wang Yuan surrendered and was appointed by Gong Sunshu as a general. The following year, he sent Wang Yuan and Lingjun Huan An to resist at Hechi. He also dispatched Tian Rong, along with Taishitu Ren Man and Nanjun Tai Shou Cheng Fan, to lead troops down Jiangguan Pass, defeating Han general Feng Jun et al., capturing Wu, Yiling, and Yidao, and thereby occupying Jingmen.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
十一年，征南大將軍岑彭攻之，滿等大敗，述將王政斬滿首降于彭。田戎走保江州。城邑皆開門降，彭遂長驅至武陽。帝乃與述書，陳言禍福，以明丹青之信。述省書歎息，以示所親太常常少、光祿勳張隆。隆、少皆勸降。述曰：「廢興命也。豈有降天子哉！」左右莫敢復言。 |
| | In the eleventh year, the Southern Expeditionary General Cen Peng attacked them. Ren Man and his forces were heavily defeated; Gong Sunshu's general Wang Zheng beheaded Ren Man and surrendered to Cen Peng. Tian Rong fled to take refuge at Jiangzhou. All the walled cities opened their gates and surrendered, so Cen Peng advanced unimpeded all the way to Wuyang. The emperor then sent a letter to Gong Sunshu, explaining in detail the consequences of his actions and reaffirming the sincerity of their covenant. Gong Sunshu read the letter, sighed deeply, and showed it to his close associates Tai Changchang Shao and Guanglu Xun Zhang Long. Zhang Long and Chang Shao both advised surrender. Gong Sunshu said: "Rise and fall are matters of fate. How could there be a surrender to an emperor?" Those around him dared not speak again.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
中郎將來歙急攻王元、環安，安使刺客殺歙；述復令刺殺岑彭。十二年，述弟恢及子婿史興並為大司馬吳漢、輔威將軍臧宮所破，戰死。自是將帥恐懼，日夜離叛，述雖誅滅其家，猶不能禁。帝必欲降之，乃下詔喻述曰：「往年詔書比下，開示恩信，勿以來歙、岑彭受害自疑。今以時自詣，則家族完全；若迷惑不喻，委肉虎口，痛哉柰何！將帥疲倦，吏士思歸，不樂久相屯守，詔書手記，不可數得，朕不食言。」述終無降意。 |
| | Zhonglangjiang Lai Xi urgently attacked Wang Yuan and Huan An, who sent an assassin to kill Lai Xi; Gong Sunshu again ordered assassins to kill Cen Peng. In the twelfth year, Gong Sunshu's brother Gong Sun Hui and his son-in-law Shi Xing were both defeated by Taishima Wu Han and Fuwei Jiangjun Zang Gong, and died in battle. From then on, the generals and commanders grew fearful and began to defect day and night; even though Gong Sunshu executed their families, he could not prevent it. The emperor wished to bring him over and thus issued an edict to Gong Sunshu saying: "In previous years, successive imperial decrees have been sent down, offering kindness and trust; do not doubt this because of the deaths of Lai Xi and Cen Peng. If you now surrender at the right time, your family will be safe and whole; if you remain confused and fail to understand, it is like placing flesh in a tiger's mouth—how painful and regrettable!" The generals are weary, the officials and soldiers long to return home, and no one wishes for a prolonged standoff. This imperial decree is written by my own hand and cannot be obtained lightly; I do not break my word." Gong Sunshu ultimately had no intention of surrendering.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
九月，吳漢又破斬其大司徒謝豐、執金吾袁吉，漢兵遂守成都。述謂延岑曰：「事當柰何？」岑曰：「男兒當死中求生，可坐窮乎！財物易聚耳，不宜有愛。」述乃悉散金帛，募敢死士五千餘人，以配岑於市橋，偽建旗幟，鳴鼓挑戰，而潛遣奇兵出吳漢軍後，襲擊破漢。漢墯水，緣馬尾得出。 |
| | In September, Wu Han again defeated and beheaded its Taishitu Xie Feng and Zhijinwu Yuan Ji; the Han forces then proceeded to besiege Chengdu. Gong Sunshu asked Yan Cen, "What should we do now?" Yan Cen said: "A man should seek survival in the midst of death. Can we just sit here and perish!" "Treasures are easily gathered; there is no need to cherish them." Gong Sunshu therefore distributed all his gold and silk, recruiting more than five thousand men willing to die for the cause. He assigned them to Yan Cen at Shi Qiao Bridge, raising false banners and beating war drums to challenge Wu Han's forces, while secretly sending a surprise force behind Wu Han's army to attack and defeat him. Wu Han fell into the water and barely escaped by holding onto his horse's tail.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
十一月，臧宮軍至咸門。述視占書，云「虜死城下」，大喜，謂漢等當之。乃自將數萬人攻漢，使延岑拒宮。大戰，岑三合三勝。自旦及日中，軍士不得食，並疲，漢因令壯士突之，述兵大亂，被刺洞胸，墯馬。左右輿入城。述以兵屬延岑，其夜死。明旦，岑降吳漢。乃夷述妻子，盡滅公孫氏，并族延岑。遂放兵大掠，焚述宮室。帝聞之怒，以譴漢。又讓漢副將劉尚曰：「城降三日，吏人從服，孩兒老母，口以萬數，一旦於兵縱火，聞之可為酸鼻！尚宗室子孫，嘗更吏職，何忍行此？仰視天，俯視地，觀放麑啜羹，二者孰仁？良失斬將弔人之義也！」 |
| | In November, Zang Gong's army arrived at Xianmen Gate. Gong Sunshu consulted his divination texts, which said "the enemy will die beneath the city walls," and was greatly pleased, believing that Wu Han et al. would be the ones to suffer this fate. He therefore personally led tens of thousands of men to attack Wu Han, while sending Yan Cen to resist Zang Gong. A great battle ensued; in three engagements, Yan Cen won all three times. From dawn until midday, the soldiers had not eaten and were exhausted. Taking advantage of this, Wu Han ordered his elite warriors to charge, causing great chaos among Gong Sunshu's forces. Gong Sunshu was pierced through the chest by a spear and fell from his horse. Those around him carried him into the city. Gong Sunshu entrusted his troops to Yan Cen and died that night. The next morning, Yan Cen surrendered to Wu Han. They then executed Gong Sunshu's wife and children, completely exterminating the Gongsun clan along with Yan Cen's family. The forces then went on a rampage of looting and set fire to Gong Sunshu's palace buildings. The emperor heard about this and became angry, reprimanding Wu Han. He also rebuked Wu Han's deputy general Liu Shang, saying: "Three days after the city surrendered and its officials and people submitted, there were countless children, elderly parents—tens of thousands in number. To suddenly allow troops to set fire and cause destruction upon them is heartbreaking when heard about!" "As a descendant of the imperial clan who has held official posts, how could you be so cruel as to commit such acts?" "Look up at heaven and down at earth. Compare the act of releasing a fawn with drinking soup— which is more humane?" "It is indeed a loss of virtue to behead generals while feasting on human suffering!"
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
初，常少、張隆勸述降，不從，並以憂死。帝下詔追贈少為太常，隆為光祿勳，以禮改葬之。其忠節志義之士，並蒙旌顯。程烏、李育以有才幹，皆擢用之。於是西土咸悅，莫不歸心焉。 |
| | Initially, Chang Shao and Zhang Long had advised Gong Sunshu to surrender; when he refused, they both died of grief. The emperor issued an edict posthumously bestowing the title Taichang on Chang Shao and Guangluxun on Zhang Long, ordering them to be reburied with proper rites. Those loyal men of virtue and righteousness were also honored and recognized. Cheng Wu and Li Yu, who possessed talent and capability, were both promoted and appointed to official positions. Thus, the western territories rejoiced, and all hearts turned in loyalty.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
論曰：昔趙佗自王番禺，公孫亦竊帝蜀漢，推其無他功能，而至於後亡者，將以地邊處遠，非王化之所先乎？述雖為漢吏，無所馮資，徒以文俗自憙，遂能集其志計。道未足而意有餘，不能因隙立功，以會時變，方乃坐飾邊幅，以高深自安，昔吳起所以慚魏侯也。及其謝臣屬，審廢興之命，與夫泥首銜玉者異日談也。 |
| | Commentary: In the past, Zhao Tuo declared himself king in Panyu, and Gongsun Shu also usurped imperial title over Shuhan. Considering their lack of other notable achievements or abilities, yet both eventually perished—was it because they were located at distant frontiers, not being a priority for royal civilization? Although Gong Sunshu had once served as an official of the Han dynasty, he lacked any real support or resources. He merely indulged in literary customs and yet was able to gather followers and pursue his ambitions. His capabilities were insufficient, yet his ambitions exceeded them. He failed to seize opportunities or achieve success by capitalizing on weaknesses and adapting to changing circumstances. Instead, he remained complacent in superficial displays of dignity and self-importance—just as Wu Qi once shamed Duke Wei for doing. When he finally lost his ministers and subordinates, recognizing the fate of rise and fall, it became a different story from those who surrendered with bowed heads and clasped jade in their mouths.
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| | 隗囂公孫... : |
贊曰：公孫習吏，隗王得士，漢命已還，二隅方跱。天數有違，江山難恃。 |
| | Eulogy: Gongsun, skilled in administration; Wei Wang, who gained loyal men. When the Han mandate was restored, two corners of the land stood firm once more. Heaven's will defied, rivers and mountains hard to rely upon.
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