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吳漢字子顏，南陽宛人也。家貧，給事縣為亭長。王莽末，以賓客犯法，乃亡命至漁陽。資用乏，以販馬自業，往來燕、薊閒，所至皆交結豪傑。更始立，使使者韓鴻徇河北。或謂鴻曰：「吳子顏，奇士也，可與計事。」鴻召見漢，甚悅之，遂承制拜為安樂令。 |
| | Wu Han zi Ziyan was a native of Wan, Nanyang. His family was poor, and he served as a tingzhang in the county. In the later years of Wang Mang's reign, Wu Han violated the law with his guests and thus fled to Yuyang. Short of funds, he made a living by trading horses, traveling between Yan and Ji. Wherever he went, he formed connections with local heroes and leaders. After the Gengshi Emperor was enthroned, he sent an envoy named Han Hong to tour Hebei. Someone told Han Hong, "Wu Ziyan is a remarkable man; he can be consulted on important matters." Han Hong summoned Wu Han for an audience and was very pleased with him. He then, acting under imperial authority, appointed him as the magistrat of Anle.
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會王郎起，北州擾惑。漢素聞光武長者，獨欲歸心。乃說太守彭寵曰：「漁陽、上谷突騎，天下所聞也。君何不合二郡精銳，附劉公擊邯鄲，此一時之功也。」寵以為然，而官屬皆欲附王郎，寵不能奪。漢乃辭出，止外亭，念所以譎眾，未知所出。望見道中有一人似儒生者，漢使人召之，為具食，問以所聞。生因言劉公所過，為郡縣所歸；邯鄲舉尊號者，實非劉氏。漢大喜，即詐為光武書，移檄漁陽，使生齎以詣寵，令具以所聞說之，漢復隨後入。寵甚然之。於是遣漢將兵與上谷諸將并軍而南，所至擊斬王郎將帥。及光武於廣阿，拜漢為偏將軍。既拔邯鄲，賜號建策侯。 |
| | At that time, Wang Lang rose in rebellion, causing unrest and confusion throughout northern states. Wu Han had long heard of Emperor Guangwu as a man of virtue, and he alone wished to pledge his loyalty to him. He then advised the governor Peng Chong, "The mounted troops of Yuyang and Shanggu are renowned throughout the land. Why don't you combine the elite forces of both commanderies, and join Prince Liu to attack Handan? This would be a great achievement at this critical moment." Chong agreed with the suggestion; however, his officials all wanted to support Wang Lang, and Chong could not override their opinion. Wu Han then took his leave and stopped at an outer pavilion, pondering how to outwit the crowd but unsure of a way forward. He saw a man on the road who seemed like a scholar, and Wu Han sent someone to summon him. He provided food for the man and asked about what he had heard. The scholar then said that wherever Prince Liu passed, local commanderies and counties pledged their allegiance to him; those who raised the title of emperor in Handan were not truly from the Liu clan. Wu Han was greatly pleased. He immediately forged a letter from Emperor Guangwu, issued an edict to Yuyang, and had the scholar carry it to Peng Chong. He instructed him to explain what he had learned in detail. Wu Han then followed closely behind. Peng Chong was very convinced by this. He then dispatched Wu Han to lead troops, joining forces with the generals from Shanggu and marching south together. Wherever they went, they attacked and killed Wang Lang's commanders. When they met Emperor Guangwu at Guang'a, Wu Han was appointed as a Piangeneral. After Handan was captured, he was granted the title Jiance Hou.
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漢為人質厚少文，造次不能以辭自達。鄧禹及諸將多知之，數相薦舉，及得召見，遂見親信，常居門下。 |
| | Wu Han was a man of solid character but not eloquent; in moments of urgency, he could not express himself well with words. Deng Yu and many other generals knew of him, repeatedly recommending him. After being summoned for an audience, he was soon favored and trusted, often staying in the emperor's court.
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光武將發幽州兵，夜召鄧禹，問可使行者。禹曰：「閒數與吳漢言，其人勇鷙有智謀，諸將鮮能及者。」即拜漢大將軍，持節北發十郡突騎。更始幽州牧苗曾聞之，陰勒兵，敕諸郡不肯應調。漢乃將二十騎先馳至無終。曾以漢無備，出迎於路，漢即撝兵騎，收曾斬之，而奪其軍。北州震駭，城邑莫不望風弭從。遂悉發其兵，引而南，與光武會清陽。諸將望見漢還，士馬甚盛，皆曰：「是寧肯分兵與人邪？」及漢至莫府，上兵簿，諸將人人多請之。光武曰：「屬者恐不與人，今所請又何多也？」諸將皆慚。 |
| | Emperor Guangwu planned to mobilize troops from Youzhou and summoned Deng Yu at night, asking who could be sent on the mission. Yu said, "I have spoken with Wu Han several times; he is brave and fierce, possessing wisdom and strategy. Few among the generals can match him." He was immediately appointed as General of the Army, holding a symbol of imperial authority to mobilize mounted troops from ten northern commanderies. Miao Ceng, the Youzhou Regional Governor under Gengshi, upon hearing this, secretly mobilized his troops and ordered the various commanderies not to respond to the call-up. Wu Han then led twenty horsemen ahead and rushed directly to Wuzhong. Miao Ceng thought Wu Han was unprepared and came out to meet him on the road. Wu Han immediately ordered his cavalry to attack, captured Miao Ceng and executed him, seizing his troops in the process. The northern states were greatly shaken, and every city and town submitted without resistance upon hearing of it. He then mobilized all the troops and led them southward to meet Emperor Guangwu in Qingyang. The generals, upon seeing Wu Han return with a large and strong force of soldiers and horses, all said, "Would he possibly be willing to divide his troops with others?" When Wu Han arrived at the headquarters and submitted the troop records, each of the generals requested a share of them. Emperor Guangwu said, "Earlier I was afraid he wouldn't share with others; now how many requests are there?" The generals were all ashamed.
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初，更始遣尚書令謝躬率六將軍攻王郎，不能下。會光武至，共定邯鄲，而躬裨將虜掠不相承稟，光武深忌之。雖俱在邯鄲，遂分城而處，然每有以慰安之。躬勤於職事，光武常稱曰「謝尚書真吏也」，故不自疑。躬既而率其兵數萬，還屯於鄴。時光武南擊青犢，謂躬曰：「我追賊於射犬，必破之。尤來在山陽者，埶必當驚走。若以君威力，擊此散虜，必成禽也。」躬曰：「善。」及青犢破，而尤來果北走隆慮山，躬乃留大將軍劉慶、魏郡太守陳康守鄴，自率諸將軍擊之。窮寇死戰，其鋒不可當，躬遂大敗，死者數千人。光武因躬在外，乃使漢與岑彭襲其城。漢先令辯士說陳康曰：「蓋聞上智不處危以僥倖，中智能因危以為功，下愚安於危以自亡。危亡之至，在人所由，不可不察。今京師敗亂，四方雲擾，公所聞也。蕭王兵彊士附，河北歸命，公所見也。謝躬內背蕭王，外失眾心，公所知也。公今據孤危之城，待滅亡之禍，義無所立，節無所成。不若開門內軍，轉禍為福，免下愚之敗，收中智之功，此計之至者也。」康然之。於是康收劉慶及躬妻子，開門內漢等。及躬從隆慮歸鄴，不知康已反之，乃與數百騎輕入城。漢伏兵收之，手擊殺躬，其眾悉降。躬字子張，南陽人。初，其妻知光武不平之，常戒躬曰：「君與劉公積不相能，而信其虛談，不為之備，終受制矣。」躬不納，故及於難。 |
| | Initially, Gengshi had sent the Minister of Letters Xie Gong to lead six generals in an attack on Wang Lang, but they failed to capture him. When Emperor Guangwu arrived and together with them captured Handan, Xie Gong's subordinate generals committed plundering without reporting or seeking approval. This greatly alarmed Emperor Guangwu. Although they were all in Handan, the city was divided between them; yet Emperor Guangwu often made efforts to comfort and reassure Xie Gong. Xie Gong was diligent in his duties, and Emperor Guangwu often praised him, saying, "Minister Xie is a true official," so he did not suspect himself. Later, Xie Gong led his several thousand troops back and stationed them at Ye. At that time Emperor Guangwu was marching south to attack the Qingtu rebels, and told Xie Gong, "I will chase the bandits to Shequan and surely defeat them. The Youlai forces in Shanyang will certainly be alarmed and flee." If you use your strength to attack these scattered bandits, they will surely be captured." Xie Gong said, "Good." After the Qingtu were defeated, the Youlai indeed fled north to Longlv Mountain. Xie Gong then left General Liu Qing and Wei Jun Taihou Chen Kang in charge of Ye, while he personally led his generals to attack them. The desperate enemy fought fiercely; their momentum was unstoppable, and Xie Gong suffered a crushing defeat, with thousands of his men killed. Taking advantage of the fact that Xie Gong was away, Emperor Guangwu sent Wu Han and Cen Peng to attack his city by surprise. Wu Han first sent a eloquent man to persuade Chen Kang, saying: "I have heard that the wisest people do not place themselves in danger for luck; those of moderate wisdom can turn danger into achievement; while the foolish remain content in peril and thus bring about their own destruction. Whether one faces ruin or not depends on how they respond to it, so this must be carefully considered. Now the capital is in chaos and disorder spreads throughout the land—this is something you have heard of. Prince Xiao's army is strong, his men loyal, and all northern regions submit to him—this is what you see with your own eyes. Xie Gong has betrayed Prince Xiao internally and lost the people's support externally—this is something you know well. Now, you occupy an isolated and vulnerable city, waiting for the disaster of destruction. You have no righteousness to uphold and no virtue to achieve. It would be better for you to open the gates and admit our troops, turning disaster into fortune. This way, you can avoid the failure of a fool and achieve the success of one with moderate wisdom—this is the best strategy." Chen Kang agreed. Thus, Chen Kang captured Liu Qing and Xie Gong's wife and children, opened the gates, and admitted Wu Han and others. When Xie Gong returned from Longlv to Ye, unaware that Chen Kang had already turned against him, he entered the city lightly with several hundred horsemen. Wu Han ambushed and captured Xie Gong, personally striking and killing him; his entire force surrendered. Xie Gong zi Zizhang was a native of Nanyang. Initially, his wife had realized that Emperor Guangwu was not at ease with him and often warned Xie Gong: "You have long been incompatible with Prince Liu. Yet you trust his empty words without making preparations; in the end, you will be controlled by others." Xie Gong did not heed her advice, and thus fell into misfortune.
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光武北擊群賊，漢常將突騎五千為軍鋒，數先登陷陳。及河北平，漢與諸將奉圖書，上尊號。光武即位，拜為大司馬，更封舞陽侯。 |
| | Emperor Guangwu marched north to attack the rebel forces, and Wu Han often led 5,000 mounted troops as the vanguard, repeatedly leading the charge into battle. After the northern regions were pacified, Wu Han and the generals presented maps and records to Emperor Guangwu and offered him the imperial title. When Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he appointed Wu Han as Daisima (Grand Marshal) and changed his title to Hou of Wuyang.
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建武二年春，漢率大司空王梁，建義大將軍朱祐，大將軍杜茂，執金吾賈復，揚化將軍堅鐔，偏將軍王霸，騎都尉劉隆、馬武、陰識，共擊檀鄉賊於鄴東漳水上，大破之，降者十餘萬人。帝使使者璽書定封漢為廣平侯，食廣平、斥漳、曲周、廣年，凡四縣。復率諸將擊鄴西山賊黎伯卿等，及河內脩武，悉破諸屯聚。車駕親幸撫勞。復遣漢進兵南陽，擊宛、涅陽、酈、穰、新野諸城，皆下之。引兵南，與秦豐戰黃郵水上，破之。又與偏將軍馮異擊昌城五樓賊張文等，又攻銅馬、五幡於新安，皆破之。 |
| | In spring of Jianwu Second Year, Wu Han led Daisikong Wang Liang, Jianyi General Zhu You, General Du Mao, Zhijinwu Jia Fu, Yanghua General Jian Dan, Piangeneral Wang Ba, Qiduwei Liu Long, Ma Wu, and Yin Shi to attack the Tanxiang rebels at Zhangshui River east of Ye. They achieved a great victory, with more than 100,000 rebels surrendering. The emperor sent an envoy with a sealed decree to officially bestow Wu Han the title of Guangping Hou, granting him the revenues from four counties: Guangping, Chizhang, Quzhou, and Guangnian. He then led the generals to attack rebel leader Li Boqing and others in the western mountains of Ye, as well as at Xiuwu in Hedong, completely defeating all their strongholds. The emperor personally visited to console and reward them. He then sent Wu Han forward with troops into Nanyang, attacking the cities of Wan, Nieyang, Li, Rang, and Xinye; all were captured. He led his troops southward and fought Qin Feng at Huangyou Shui River, defeating him. He also joined Piangeneral Feng Yi in attacking rebel leader Zhang Wen and the Wulou rebels at Changcheng, and later attacked the Tongma and Wufan rebels at Xin'an, defeating them all.
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明年春，率建威大將軍耿弇、虎牙大將軍蓋延，擊青犢於軹西，大破降之。又率驃騎大將軍杜茂、彊弩將軍陳俊等，圍蘇茂於廣樂。劉永將周建別招聚收集得十餘萬人，救廣樂。漢將輕騎迎與之戰，不利，墯馬傷膝，還營，建等遂連兵入城。諸將謂漢曰：「大敵在前而公傷臥，眾心懼矣。」漢乃勃然裹創而起，椎牛饗士，令軍中曰：「賊眾雖多，皆劫掠群盜，『勝不相讓，敗不相救』，非有仗節死義者也。今日封侯之秋，諸君勉之！」於是軍士激怒，人倍其氣。旦日，建、茂出兵圍漢。漢選四部精兵黃頭吳河等，及烏桓突騎三千餘人，齊鼓而進。建軍大潰，反還奔城。漢長驅追擊，爭門並入，大破之，茂、建突走。漢留杜茂、陳俊等守廣樂，自將兵助蓋延圍劉永於睢陽。永既死，二城皆降。 |
| | The following spring, he led Jianwei General Geng Yan and Huya General Ge Yan to attack the Qingtu rebels west of Zhi, achieving a great victory and causing their surrender. He also led Biaoqi General Du Mao, Qiangnu General Chen Jun and others to besiege Su Mao at Guangle. Liu Yong's general Zhou Jian gathered more than 100, 000 men separately and came to rescue Guangle. Wu Han led a light cavalry force to meet them in battle, but was defeated and fell from his horse, sustaining a knee injury. He returned to camp, whereupon Zhou Jian's forces joined together and entered the city. The generals told Wu Han, "A major enemy is before us while you lie wounded; this has frightened our men." Wu Han then suddenly rose up, bandaging his wounds, slaughtered an ox to entertain the soldiers, and declared in the camp: "Although the enemy is numerous, they are merely a group of marauding bandits. 'In victory, they do not yield; in defeat, they do not support each other.' They are not men who uphold righteousness with loyalty and die for their principles." "Today is the season to be ennobled as marquises; all of you must strive hard!" At this, the soldiers were greatly inspired and their morale doubled. The next day, Zhou Jian and Su Mao sent out troops to surround Wu Han. Wu Han selected elite forces from four divisions, including Huangtou Wu He and others, as well as more than 3,000 Wuhuan cavalrymen, and advanced together with beating drums. Zhou Jian's army was completely routed and fled back to the city in panic. Wu Han pursued them fiercely, rushing through the gates with his troops and breaking through their defenses; Su Mao and Zhou Jian fled in panic. Wu Han left Du Mao, Chen Jun, and others to defend Guangle while he personally led troops to assist Ge Yan in besieging Liu Yong at Suixiang. After Liu Yong died, both cities surrendered.
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明年，又率陳俊及前將軍王梁，擊破五校賊於臨平，追至東郡箕山，大破之。北擊清河長直及平原五里賊，皆平之。時鬲縣五姓共逐守長，據城而反。諸將爭欲攻之，漢不聽，曰：「使鬲反者，皆守長罪也。敢輕冒進兵者斬。」乃移檄告郡，使收守長，而使人謝城中。五姓大喜，即相率歸降。諸將乃服，曰：「不戰而下城，非眾所及也。」 |
| | The following year, he again led Chen Jun and Qian General Wang Liang to defeat the Wuxiao rebels at Linping, pursuing them as far as Jishan in Dongjun, where they were decisively crushed. He then marched north to attack rebel forces at Zhangzhi in Qinghe and the Wu Li rebels in Pingyuan, pacifying them all. At that time, five clans from Ge Xian jointly drove out the local official, occupied the city and rebelled. The generals all wanted to attack them, but Wu Han refused, saying: "What caused the rebellion in Ge is entirely due to the fault of the local official. Anyone who dares to recklessly advance troops will be executed." He then issued an official order to the commandery, instructing them to arrest the local official and sent envoys to apologize to the people in the city. The five clans were greatly pleased and immediately led their followers to surrender. The generals then expressed admiration, saying: "To capture a city without fighting is beyond the capability of most."
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冬，漢率建威大將軍耿弇、漢中將軍王常等，擊富平、獲索二賊於平原。明年春，賊率五萬餘人夜攻漢營，軍中驚亂，漢堅臥不動，有頃乃定。即夜發精兵出營突擊，大破其眾。因追討餘黨，遂至無鹽，進擊勃海，皆平之。又從征董憲，圍朐城。明年春，拔朐，斬憲。事以見劉永傳。東方悉定，振旅還京師。 |
| | In winter, Wu Han led Jianwei General Geng Yan, Hanzhong General Wang Chang and others to attack the Fuping and Huosuo rebels in Pingyuan. The following spring, the rebels led more than 50,000 men to attack Wu Han's camp at night. The army was thrown into panic and chaos, but Wu Han remained lying down calmly without moving until the situation stabilized after a while. He immediately sent out elite troops at night to launch a surprise attack and decisively defeated their forces. Taking advantage of his momentum, he pursued the remaining rebels, advancing as far as Wuyan, and then attacked Bohai, pacifying all. He also joined the campaign against Dong Xian and laid siege to Qu Cheng. The following spring, they captured Qu City and beheaded Dong Xian. This event is recorded in the biography of Liu Yong. With all the eastern regions pacified, he reviewed his troops and returned to the capital.
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會隗囂畔，夏，復遣漢西屯長安。八年，從車駕上隴，遂圍隗囂於西城。帝敕漢曰：「諸郡甲卒但坐費糧食，若有逃亡，則沮敗眾心，宜悉罷之。」漢等貪并力攻囂，遂不能遣，糧食日少，吏士疲役，逃亡者多，及公孫述救至，漢遂退敗。 |
| | At this time, Wei Qiao rebelled; in summer, Han was again dispatched westward to station at Chang'an. In the eighth year [of the reign period], he followed the imperial procession onto Long Mountain and thus laid siege to Wei Qiao in Xicheng. The emperor ordered Wu Han, saying: "The armored soldiers from the various commanderies merely sit and consume provisions; if any of them desert, it will undermine morale. You should dismiss all of them." Wu Han and others, eager to concentrate their strength in attacking Wei Qiao, could not send them away. As provisions dwindled daily, the officers and soldiers became exhausted from labor, and many deserted. When Gongsun Shu's relief forces arrived, Wu Han was thus forced to retreat and suffered a defeat.
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十一年春，率征南大將軍岑彭等伐公孫述。及彭破荊門，長驅入江關，漢留夷陵，裝露橈船，將南陽兵及弛刑募士三萬人泝江而上。會岑彭為刺客所殺，漢并將其軍。十二年春，與公孫述將魏黨、公孫永戰於魚涪津，大破之，遂圍武陽。述遣子婿史興將五千人救之。漢迎擊興，盡殄其眾，因入犍為界。諸縣皆城守。漢乃進軍攻廣都，拔之。遣輕騎燒成都市橋，武陽以東諸小城皆降。 |
| | In the spring of the eleventh year, he led General of the Southern Expedition Cen Peng and others in an expedition against Gongsun Shu. After Cen Peng defeated Jingmen, he advanced rapidly into Jiangguan. Wu Han remained at Yiling, preparing rafts and light boats, leading 30,000 Nanyang soldiers and convicts who had been pardoned to march upstream along the Yangtze River. When Cen Peng was killed by an assassin, Wu Han took command of his troops as well. In spring of the twelfth year, he fought against Gongsun Shu's generals Wei Dang and Gongsun Yong at Yufuzhen, decisively defeating them, and thus laid siege to Wuyang. Gongsun Shu sent his son-in-law Shi Xing with 5,000 men as reinforcements. Wu Han intercepted and attacked Shi Xing, completely annihilating his forces, and thus entered the territory of Qianwei. The various counties all fortified their cities for defense. Wu Han then advanced his army to attack Guangdu and captured it. He sent light cavalry to burn the bridge at Chengdu, causing all the smaller cities east of Wuyang to surrender.
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帝戒漢曰：「成都十餘萬眾，不可輕也。但堅據廣都，待其來攻，勿與爭鋒。若不敢來，公轉營迫之，須其力疲，乃可擊也。」漢乘利，遂自將步騎二萬餘人進逼成都，去城十餘里，阻江北為營，作浮橋，使副將武威將軍劉尚將萬餘人屯於江南，相去二十餘里。帝聞大驚，讓漢曰：「比敕公千條萬端，何意臨事勃亂！既輕敵深入，又與尚別營，事有緩急，不復相及。賊若出兵綴公，以大眾攻尚，尚破，公即敗矣。幸無它者，急引兵還廣都。」詔書未到，述果使其將謝豐、袁吉將眾十許萬，分為二十餘營，并出攻漢。使別將萬餘人劫劉尚，令不得相救。漢與大戰一日，兵敗，走入壁，豐因圍之。漢乃召諸將厲之曰：「吾共諸君踰越險阻，轉戰千里，所在斬獲，遂深入敵地，至其城下。而今與劉尚二處受圍，埶既不接，其禍難量。欲潛師就尚於江南，并兵禦之。若能同心一力，人自為戰，大功可立；如其不然，敗必無餘。成敗之機，在此一舉。」諸將皆曰「諾」。於是饗士秣馬，閉營三日不出，乃多樹幡旗，使煙火不絕，夜銜枚引兵與劉尚合軍。豐等不覺，明日，乃分兵拒江北，自將攻江南。漢悉兵迎戰，自旦至晡，遂大破之，斬謝豐、袁吉，獲甲首五千餘級。於是引還廣都，留劉尚拒述，具以狀上，而深自譴責。帝報曰：「公還廣都，甚得其宜，述必不敢略尚而擊公也。若先攻尚，公從廣都五十里悉步騎赴之，適當值其危困，破之必矣。」自是漢與述戰於廣都、成都之閒，八戰八剋，遂軍于其郭中。述自將數萬人出城大戰，漢使護軍高午、唐邯將數萬銳卒擊之。述兵敗走，高午奔陳刺述，殺之。事已見述傳。旦日城降，斬述首傳送洛陽。明年正月，漢振旅浮江而下。至宛，詔令過家上冢，賜穀二萬斛。 |
| | The emperor warned Wu Han: "Chengdu has more than 100,000 troops; you must not take it lightly." "Just firmly hold Guangdu and wait for them to come on the attack. Do not engage in a direct confrontation with them." "If they dare not come, you may move your camp to press upon them; only when their strength is exhausted can you attack them." Taking advantage of the favorable situation, Wu Han personally led more than 20,000 infantry and cavalry to advance toward Chengdu. He set up camp about ten li away from the city on the north bank of the river, built a floating bridge, and ordered his deputy general, General of Wuwei Liu Shang, to lead over 10,000 soldiers to station themselves on the south bank of the river, more than twenty li apart. The emperor heard about it and was greatly alarmed; he rebuked Wu Han, saying: "I have given you countless instructions. How could I have expected that in the face of events you would act so rashly!" "You have already underestimated the enemy and ventured too deep, and now you are separated from Liu Shang's camp. In case of an emergency, you will no longer be able to support each other." "If the rebels send out troops to tie down your forces and attack Liu Shang with their main army, once Liu Shang is defeated, you will also be doomed." "Fortunately, there are no other complications. Hurry up and lead your troops back to Guangdu." Before the imperial edict arrived, Gongsun Shu indeed sent his generals Xie Feng and Yuan Ji to lead about 100,00 troops, dividing them into more than twenty camps, and launched a joint attack on Wu Han. He also sent another general with over 10,00 soldiers to raid Liu Shang's forces, preventing them from coming to his aid. Wu Han engaged in a major battle for one day but suffered defeat and retreated into the fortress; Xie Feng then besieged him. Wu Han summoned his generals and exhorted them, saying: "I have traveled with all of you through perilous terrain and fought for thousands of li. Wherever we went, we captured and killed the enemy, advancing deep into their territory until reaching their city walls." "But now both I and Liu Shang are encircled in two separate locations. Since we cannot support each other, the disaster is immeasurable." "I want to secretly move my troops across the river to join Liu Shang on the southern bank and combine our forces to resist them." "If we can unite with one mind and effort, each man fighting for himself, great achievements can be accomplished; if not, our defeat will surely leave no survivors." "The key to success or failure lies in this single action." The generals all said, "Yes, sir." Thus he entertained his soldiers and fed their horses, keeping the camp closed for three days without emerging. Then he raised many banners and flags, maintaining a continuous line of smoke and fire signals, and at night led his troops silently to join forces with Liu Shang. Xie Feng and others did not notice; the next day, they divided their forces to resist the northern bank of the river while personally leading an attack on the southern bank. Wu Han led all his troops to meet them in battle, from dawn until dusk, and decisively defeated them, beheading Xie Feng and Yuan Ji, capturing over 5,000 enemy soldiers. He then withdrew back to Guangdu, left Liu Shang to resist Gongsun Shu, and fully reported the situation to the emperor while deeply criticizing himself. The emperor replied: "Your return to Guangdu was very appropriate; Gongsun Shu will certainly not dare to bypass Liu Shang and attack you." "If he attacks Liu Shang first, you can lead all your infantry and cavalry from Guangdu to rush there within fifty li. You will just arrive at the moment of his crisis; victory is certain." From then on, Wu Han fought against Gongsun Shu in the area between Guangdu and Chengdu, winning eight battles out of eight. He thus stationed his army within the outer walls of the city. Gongsun Shu personally led tens of thousands of men out of the city for a major battle, and Wu Han dispatched his military protector Gao Wu and Tang Han to lead several ten thousand elite soldiers against them. Gongsun Shu's forces were defeated and fled, and Gao Wu rushed forward to stab Gongsun Shu from behind, killing him. This event is already recorded in the biography of Gongsun Shu. The next day, the city surrendered; they severed Gongsun Shu's head and sent it to Luoyang. In the first month of the following year, Wu Han reviewed his troops and sailed downstream along the Yangtze River. When he arrived at Wan, an imperial decree ordered him to visit his family and pay respects at the ancestral tomb, granting him 20,000 hu of grain as a gift.
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十五年，復率揚武將軍馬成、捕虜將軍馬武北擊匈奴，徙鴈門、代郡、上谷吏人六萬餘口，置居庸、常關以東。 |
| | In the fifteenth year, he once again led Yangwu General Ma Cheng and Bulu General Ma Wu northward to attack the Xiongnu, relocating more than 60,000 officials and civilians from Yanmen, Daijun, and Shanggu to areas east of Juyong Pass and Changguan.
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十八年，蜀郡守將史歆反於成都，自稱大司馬，攻太守張穆，穆踰城走廣都，歆遂移檄郡縣，而宕渠楊偉、朐颈徐容等，起兵各數千人以應之。帝以歆昔為岑彭護軍，曉習兵事，故遣漢率劉尚及太中大夫臧宮將萬餘人討之。漢入武都，乃發廣漢、巴、蜀三郡兵圍成都，百餘日城破，誅歆等。漢乃乘桴沿江下巴郡，楊偉、徐容等惶恐解散，漢誅其渠帥二百餘人，徙其黨與數百家於南郡、長沙而還。 |
| | In the eighteenth year, Shi Xin, a military commander of Shu Jun, rebelled in Chengdu, proclaiming himself Da Sima (Grand Marshal), and attacked the governor Zhang Mu. Zhang Mu fled over the city walls to Guangdu; upon this, Shi Xin issued proclamations to the commanderies and counties, while Yang Wei of Dangqu and Xu Rong of Qujing each raised several thousand troops in response. The emperor, considering that Shi Xin had once served as Cen Peng's military protector and was well-versed in military affairs, therefore dispatched Wu Han to lead Liu Shang and Taizhong Dafu Zang Gong with more than 10,00 people to suppress the rebellion. Wu Han entered Wudu and then mobilized troops from Guanghan, Ba, and Shu commanderies to encircle Chengdu. After more than a hundred days the city was captured, and Shi Xin and others were executed. Wu Han then boarded rafts and traveled downstream along the river to Badong Jun. Yang Wei, Xu Rong, and others became frightened and dispersed; Wu Han executed more than 200 of their leaders and relocated several hundred families from among their followers to Nanjun and Changsha before returning.
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漢性彊力，每從征伐，帝未安，恆側足而立。諸將見戰陳不利，或多惶懼，失其常度。漢意氣自若，方整厲器械，激揚士吏。帝時遣人觀大司馬何為，還言方脩戰攻之具，乃歎曰：「吳公差彊人意，隱若一敵國矣！」每當出師，朝受詔，夕即引道，初無辦嚴之日。故能常任職，以功名終。及在朝廷，斤斤謹質，形於體貌。漢嘗出征，妻子在後買田業。漢還，讓之曰：「軍師在外，吏士不足，何多買田宅乎！」遂盡以分與昆弟外家。 |
| | Wu Han was a man of strong will and physical strength; whenever he joined military campaigns, the emperor felt uneasy and would always stand with one foot slightly raised. When the generals saw that their formations were not going well in battle, many of them became frightened or panicked and lost their composure. Wu Han, however, remained calm and composed; he focused on organizing and repairing weapons and equipment while boosting the morale of his officers and soldiers. At times, the emperor would send someone to observe what the Grand Marshal was doing. The messenger returned and reported that Wu Han was just repairing weapons and siege equipment; upon hearing this, the emperor sighed and said: "General Wu is truly a man of extraordinary strength! He remains composed as if he were an independent state!" Whenever he was to lead troops on campaign, he would receive the imperial decree in the morning and set out that evening; there was never a day for preparation or formalities. This is why he was able to consistently hold office, achieving success and reputation until his final days. When in court, Wu Han was meticulous and cautious in conduct, with a demeanor that reflected his integrity and seriousness. Wu Han once went on a campaign, during which his wife and children bought farmland at the rear. When Wu Han returned, he reprimanded them, saying: "While the army is on campaign and officials and soldiers are in need, why did you buy so much farmland and houses?" He then distributed all of it among his brothers and relatives.
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二十年，漢病篤。車駕親臨，問所欲言。對曰：「臣愚無所知識，唯願陛下慎無赦而已。」及薨，有詔悼愍，賜謚曰忠侯。發北軍五校、輕車、介士送葬，如大將軍霍光故事。 |
| | In the twentieth year, Wu Han fell seriously ill. The emperor personally visited him and asked what he wished to say. He replied: "I am a foolish subject with no great knowledge, but I only wish for Your Majesty to be cautious and never issue pardons." After his death, an imperial decree was issued mourning him, bestowing the posthumous title Zhong Hou. The Northern Army's Five Schools, light chariots, and armored soldiers were mobilized to escort his funeral procession, following the precedent of Grand General Huo Guang.
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子哀侯成嗣，為奴所殺。二十八年，分漢封為三國：成子旦為灈陽侯，以奉漢嗣；旦弟盱為筑陽侯；成弟國為新蔡侯。旦卒，無子，國除。建初八年，徙封盱為平春侯，以奉漢後。盱卒，子勝嗣。初，漢兄尉為將軍，從征戰死，封尉子彤為安陽侯。帝以漢功大，復封弟翕為褒親侯。吳氏侯者凡五國。 |
| | His son, Ai Hou Cheng, inherited the title but was killed by a slave. In the twenty-eighth year, Wu Han's fief was divided into three states: his son Dan became the Marquis of Qiyang to continue the lineage of Wu Han; Dan's younger brother Xu became the Marquis of Zhuyang; Cheng's younger brother Guo became the Marquis of Xincai. Dan died without a son, and his fief was abolished. In the eighth year of Jianchu, Xu was transferred to be granted the title Pingchun Hou in order to continue Wu Han's lineage. Xu died and his son Sheng inherited the title. Initially, Wu Han's elder brother Wei served as a general who died in battle while following on military campaigns; his son Tong was granted the title of Anyang Hou. The emperor, recognizing Wu Han's great contributions, also bestowed the title Baoshen Hou on his younger brother Xi. In total, five marquisates were established for members of the Wu family.
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初，漁陽都尉嚴宣，與漢俱會光武於廣阿，光武以為偏將軍，封建信侯。 |
| | Initially, Yan Xuan, a Duwei (commander) of Yuyang, joined Wu Han in meeting Emperor Guangwu at Guang'a. The emperor appointed him as a Pianniangeneral and granted the title Jianxin Hou.
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論曰：吳漢自建武世，常居上公之位，終始倚愛之親，諒由質簡而彊力也。子曰「剛毅木訥近仁」，斯豈漢之方乎！昔陳平智有餘以見疑，周勃資朴忠而見信。夫仁義不足以相懷，則智者以有餘為疑，而朴者以不足取信矣。 |
| | Commentary: Wu Han, since the reign of Jianwu, consistently held a position among the highest-ranking officials. He was always closely trusted and favored by the emperor from beginning to end; this was surely due to his simple and sincere character as well as his strong willpower. The Master said, "Steadfastness, firmness, and a reserved manner are close to benevolence." Was this not an apt description of Wu Han! In the past, Chen Ping was intelligent but excessive, which led to suspicion; Zhou Bo, with his simple and loyal nature, earned trust. If benevolence and righteousness are insufficient to foster mutual trust, then the wise may be suspected for their excesses, while the simple-hearted gain credibility precisely because of their perceived deficiencies.
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蓋延字巨卿，漁陽要陽人也。身長八尺，彎弓三百斤。邊俗尚勇力，而延以氣聞。歷郡列掾、州從事，所在職辦。彭寵為太守，召延署營尉，行護軍。 |
| | Gai Yan zi Juqing was a native of Yaoyang, Yuyang. He stood eight chi tall and could draw a bow weighing 300 jin. In the border regions, people valued bravery and strength; Gai Yan became famous for his spirit and vigor. He served in succession as a clerk of various commanderies, an official subordinate to the state governor, and wherever he was stationed, he fulfilled his duties competently. Peng Chong served as governor and summoned Gai Yan to serve as a provisional military commander (ying wei) and acting protector of the army.
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及王郎起，延與吳漢同謀歸光武。延至廣阿，拜偏將軍，號建功侯，從平河北。光武即位，以延為虎牙將軍。 |
| | When Wang Lang rose in rebellion, Gai Yan joined Wu Han in plotting to return to Emperor Guangwu. Gai Yan arrived at Guang'a and was appointed as a Pianniangeneral, granted the title Jiagong Hou, and followed to pacify Hebei. After Emperor Guangwu ascended the throne, he appointed Gai Yan as Huya General.
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建武二年，更封安平侯。遣南擊敖倉，轉攻酸棗、封丘，皆拔。其夏，督駙馬都尉馬武、騎都尉劉隆、護軍都尉馬成、偏將軍王霸等南伐劉永，先攻拔襄邑，進取麻鄉，遂圍永於睢陽。數月，盡收野麥，夜梯其城入。永驚懼，引兵走出東門，延追擊，大破之。永棄軍走譙，延進攻，拔薛，斬其魯郡太守，而彭城、扶陽、杼秋、蕭皆降。又破永沛郡太守，斬之。永將蘇茂、佼彊、周建等三萬餘人救永，共攻延，延與戰於沛西，大破之。永軍亂，遁沒溺死者太半。永棄城走湖陵，蘇茂奔廣樂。延遂定沛、楚、臨淮，修高祖廟，置嗇夫、祝宰、樂人。 |
| | In the second year of Jianwu, his title was changed to Anping Hou. He was dispatched southward to attack Ao Cang, then turned to attack Suizao and Fengqiu, capturing them all. That summer, he supervised Fu Ma Duyi Ma Wu, Qiduyi Liu Long, Hujun Duyi Ma Cheng, Pianniangeneral Wang Ba and others in their southern campaign against Liu Yong. They first captured Xiangyi, then advanced to capture Maxiang, thus surrounding Liu Yong at Suiyang. After several months, they gathered all the wild wheat and scaled the city walls by night to enter. Liu Yong was alarmed and led his troops out through the eastern gate; Gai Yan pursued and heavily defeated them. Liu Yong abandoned his army and fled to Qiao; Gai Yan advanced to attack, captured Xue, beheaded its Lu Jun governor, and the cities of Pengcheng, Fuyang, Zhuqiu, and Xiao all surrendered. He also defeated Liu Yong's Pei Jun governor and beheaded him. Liu Yong's generals Su Mao, Jiao Qiang, Zhou Jian and more than 30,000 men came to rescue Liu Yong and jointly attacked Gai Yan. Gai Yan fought them at the west of Pei and heavily defeated them. Liu Yong's army fell into chaos, with most of its soldiers either fleeing or drowning to death. Liu Yong abandoned the city and fled to Huling, while Su Mao rushed to Guangle. Gai Yan thus pacified Pei, Chu, and Linhuai, built a temple for Emperor Gaozu, and appointed shefu, zhu zai, and musicians.
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三年，睢陽復反城迎劉永，延復率諸將圍之百日，收其野穀。永乏食，突走，延追擊，盡得輜重。永為其將所殺，永弟防舉城降。 |
| | In the third year, Suiyang rebelled again by opening its gates to welcome Liu Yong. Gai Yan once more led his generals in a 100-day siege and gathered wild grain from the surrounding fields. Liu Yong, short of food, made a sudden escape; Gai Yan pursued him and captured all his supplies and equipment. Liu Yong was killed by one of his own generals, and Liu Yong's younger brother Fang surrendered the city.
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四年春，延又擊蘇茂、周建於蘄，進與董憲戰留下，皆破之。因率平敵將軍龐萌攻西防，拔之。復追敗周建、蘇茂於彭城，茂、建亡奔董憲，將賁休舉蘭陵城降。憲聞之，自郯圍休，時延及龐萌在楚，請往救之，帝敕曰：「可直往擣郯，則蘭陵必自解。」延等以賁休城危，遂先赴之。憲逆戰而陽敗，延等遂逐退，因拔圍入城。明日，憲大出兵合圍，延等懼，遽出突走，因往攻郯。帝讓之曰：「閒欲先赴郯者，以其不意故耳。今既奔走，賊計已立，圍豈可解乎！」延等至郯，果不能克，而董憲遂拔蘭陵，殺賁休。延等往來要擊憲別將於彭城、郯、邳之閒，戰或日數合，頗有剋獲。帝以延輕敵深入，數以書誡之。及龐萌反，攻殺楚郡太守，引軍襲敗延，延走，北度泗水，破舟楫，壞津梁，僅而得免。帝自將而東，徵延與大司馬吳漢、漢忠將軍王常、前將軍王梁、捕虜將軍馬武、討虜將軍王霸等會任城，討龐萌於桃鄉，又並從征董憲於昌慮，皆破平之。六年春，遣屯長安。 |
| | In spring of the fourth year, Gai Yan again attacked Su Mao and Zhou Jian at Qi, then advanced to fight Dong Xian at Liuxia, defeating them all. He then led Pingdi General Pang Meng in an attack on Xifang and captured it. He again pursued and defeated Zhou Jian and Su Mao at Pengcheng; Su Mao and Zhou Jian fled to Dong Xian, while the general Bin You surrendered Lanling city. Dong Xian, upon hearing this, marched from Tan to surround Bin You. At that time, Gai Yan and Pang Meng were in Chu; they requested permission to go rescue him. The emperor ordered: "You may proceed directly to attack Tan, and the siege of Lanling will naturally be lifted." Gai Yan et al., considering Bin You's city in danger, proceeded first to his relief. Dong Xian engaged them in battle but pretended to retreat; Gai Yan et al. pursued and were thus driven back, allowing the siege to be lifted and entry into the city made possible. The next day, Dong Xian launched a large force to encircle them; Gai Yan et al., fearing for their safety, hastily broke out and fled, then proceeded to attack Tan. The emperor rebuked him, saying: "I wanted you to first go to Tan because it would have been unexpected. Now that you have fled in panic, the enemy's plan is already set; how can the siege possibly be lifted!" When Gai Yan et al. arrived at Tan, they indeed could not capture it, and Dong Xian consequently captured Lanling and killed Bin You. Gai Yan et al. moved back and forth, ambushing Dong Xian's subordinate generals between Pengcheng, Tan, and Pi; they fought several battles in a single day at times, achieving some victories and capturing enemy forces. The emperor criticized Gai Yan for being too reckless by engaging the enemy deep within their territory and repeatedly sent letters to admonish him. When Pang Meng rebelled, he attacked and killed the governor of Chu Jun, then led his army to attack Gai Yan, defeating him. Gai Yan fled north across the Si River, destroyed boats and rafts, demolished ferry crossings and bridges, barely escaping with his life. The emperor personally led his forces eastward and summoned Gai Yan along with Daisima Wu Han, Han Zhong General Wang Chang, Qianjiangeneral Wang Liang, Bulu General Ma Wu, Taolv General Wang Ba and others to meet at Rensheng. They attacked Pang Meng at Tao Xiang, then jointly campaigned against Dong Xian in Changlv, defeating and pacifying them all. In spring of the sixth year, he was dispatched to station troops in Chang'an.
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九年，隗囂死，延西擊街泉、略陽、清水諸屯聚，皆定。 |
| | In the ninth year, after Wei Qiao died, Gai Yan marched westward to attack Jiequan, Lueyang, Qingshui and other garrisons and settlements, pacifying them all.
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十一年，與中郎將來歙攻河池，未剋，以病引還，拜為左馮翊，將軍如故。十三年，增封定食萬戶。十五年，薨於位。 |
| | In the eleventh year, he joined Zhonglangjiang Lai Xi in attacking Hechi; they failed to capture it. Due to illness, Gai Yan withdrew and was appointed as Zuo Fengyi, retaining his position as general. In the thirteenth year, his fief was increased with a stipend for ten thousand households. In the fifteenth year, he died in office.
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子扶嗣。扶卒，子側嗣。永平十三年，坐與舅王平謀反，伏誅，國除。永初七年，鄧太后紹封延曾孫恢為蘆亭侯。恢卒，子遂嗣。 |
| | His son Fu succeeded him. Fu died, and his son Ce succeeded him. In the thirteenth year of Yongping, he was executed for conspiring with his maternal uncle Wang Ping to rebel; his fief was abolished. In the seventh year of Yongchu, Empress Dowager Deng posthumously granted Gai Yan's great-grandson Hui the title Luting Hou. Hui died, and his son Sui succeeded him.
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陳俊字子昭，南陽西鄂人也。少為郡吏。更始立，以宗室劉嘉為太常將軍，俊為長史。光武徇河北，嘉遣書薦俊，光武以為安集掾。 |
| | Chen Jun zi Zizhao was a native of Xi'e, Nanyang. As a young man, he served as an official in the commandery. When Gengshi was established, the imperial clan member Liu Jia was appointed Tai Chang General, and Chen Jun served as his chief clerk. Emperor Guangwu toured Hebei, and Liu Jia sent a letter recommending Chen Jun; Emperor Guangwu appointed him as an Anji clerk.
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從擊銅馬於清陽，進至滿陽，拜彊弩將軍。與五校戰於安次，俊下馬，手接短兵，所向必破，追奔二十餘里，斬其渠帥而還。光武望而歎曰：「戰將盡如是，豈有憂哉！」五校引退入漁陽，所過虜掠。俊言於光武曰：「宜令輕騎出賊前，使百姓各自堅壁，以絕其食，可不戰而殄也。」光武然之，遣俊將輕騎馳出賊前。視人保壁堅完者，敕令固守；放散在野者，因掠取之。賊至無所得，遂散敗。及軍還，光武謂俊曰：「困此虜者，將軍策也。」及即位，封俊為列侯。 |
| | He followed to attack the Tongma forces at Qingyang, advanced to Manyang, and was appointed Qiangnu General. Fighting the Wu Xiao forces at Anci, Chen Jun dismounted and personally engaged in close combat with his sword; wherever he went, he broke through enemy lines. He pursued the fleeing enemies for more than twenty li, beheaded their leader, and returned. Emperor Guangwu looked on and sighed, saying: "If all my generals fought like this, how could I have any worries!" The Wu Xiao forces withdrew into Yuyang and committed looting wherever they passed. Chen Jun said to Emperor Guangwu: "We should send light cavalry ahead of the bandits, instructing the people to strengthen their defenses and cut off the enemy's food supply; this way we can eliminate them without fighting." Emperor Guanguserious agreed, and sent Chen Jun to lead a light cavalry force ahead of the enemy. He ordered those whose defenses were strong and intact to hold fast; those scattered in the fields, he allowed them to be captured. When the bandits arrived and found nothing, they dispersed and were defeated. After the army returned, Emperor Guangwu said to Chen Jun: "It was your strategy that trapped these bandits." When he ascended the throne, Emperor Guangwu granted Chen Jun the title of Lie Hou.
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建武二年春，攻匡賊，下四縣，更封新處侯。引擊頓丘，降三城。其秋，大司馬吳漢承制拜俊為彊弩大將軍，別擊金門、白馬賊於河內，皆破之。四年，轉徇汝陽及項，又拔南武陽。是時太山豪傑多擁眾與張步連兵，吳漢言於帝曰：「非陳俊莫能定此郡。」於是拜俊太山太守，行大將軍事。張步聞之，遣其將擊俊，戰於嬴下，俊大破之，追至濟南，收得印綬九十餘，稍攻下諸縣，遂定太山。五年，與建威大將軍耿弇共破張步。事在弇傳。 |
| | In spring of the second year of Jianwu, he attacked the Kuang rebels and captured four counties; his title was changed to Xinchu Hou. He led an attack on Dunqiu and brought three cities under submission. That autumn, Daisima Wu Han acting on imperial authority appointed Chen Jun as Qiangnu Da Jiangeneral. He separately attacked the Jinmen and Bai Ma rebels in Hedong, defeating them all. In the fourth year, he moved to tour Ruyang and Xiang, and captured Nanwuyang as well. At that time, many local leaders in Taishan had gathered forces and allied with Zhang Bu. Wu Han said to the emperor: "No one but Chen Jun can pacify this commandery." Thus, he was appointed Taishan governor and acting as a great general. Zhang Bu, upon hearing this, sent his generals to attack Chen Jun. They fought at Ying Xia, where Chen Jun heavily defeated them and pursued the enemy as far as Jinan, seizing more than ninety seals and gradually capturing various counties, thus pacifying Taishan. In the fifth year, he joined Jianwei Da Jiangeneral Geng Yan in defeating Zhang Bu. The details are recorded in Geng Yan's biography.
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時琅邪未平，乃徙俊為琅邪太守，領將軍如故。齊地素聞俊名，入界，盜賊皆解散。俊將兵擊董憲於贛榆，進破朐賊孫陽，平之。八年，張步畔，還琅邪，俊追討，斬之。帝美其功，詔俊得專征青、徐。俊撫貧弱，表有義，檢制軍吏，不得與郡縣相干，百姓歌之。數上書自請，願奮擊隴、蜀。詔報曰：「東州新平，大將軍之功也。負海猾夏，盜賊之處，國家以為重憂，且勉鎮撫之。」 |
| | At that time, Langya had not yet been pacified; thus, Chen Jun was transferred to serve as governor of Langya, continuing in his role as general. The people of Qi had long heard of Chen Jun's reputation; upon entering the region, bandits and rebels all dispersed. Chen Jun led his troops to attack Dong Xian at Ganyu, advanced to defeat the Qiu rebels Sun Yang, and pacified them. In the eighth year, Zhang Bu rebelled again, returning to Langya; Chen Jun pursued him, captured him, and executed him. The emperor praised his achievements and issued an edict allowing Chen Jun exclusive authority to campaign in Qing and Xu commanderies. Chen Jun comforted the poor and weak, honored those of virtue, regulated his military officers, forbidding them from interfering with commandery or county affairs; the people sang praises of him. He repeatedly submitted memorials requesting to be allowed to personally lead campaigns against Long and Shu. The emperor's reply stated: "The eastern regions have just been pacified, which is the achievement of the great general." "Border areas along the sea and in Xua are prone to banditry; these places are a major concern for the state. You should strive to maintain stability and pacify them."
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十三年，增邑，定封祝阿侯。明年，徵奉朝請。二十三年卒。 |
| | In the thirteenth year, additional fiefs were granted, and he was definitively enfeoffed as Zhua Hou. The following year, he was summoned to court for a formal audience. He died in the twenty-third year.
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子浮嗣，徙封蘄春侯。浮卒，子專諸嗣。專諸卒，子篤嗣。 |
| | His son Fu succeeded him, and their fief was later moved to Qichun Hou. Fu died, and his son Zhuanzhu succeeded him. Zhuanzhu died, and his son Du succeeded him.
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臧宮字君翁，潁川郟人也。少為縣亭長、游徼，後率賓客入下江兵中為校尉，因從光武征戰，諸將多稱其勇。光武察宮勤力少言，甚親納之。及至河北，以為偏將軍，從破群賊，數陷陳卻敵。 |
| | Zang Gong zi Junweng was a native of Jia, Yingchuan. As a young man, he first served as xian tingzhang and youjiao. Later, he led his guests to join the Xiajiang forces as an officer, and thus followed Emperor Guangwu in military campaigns; many generals praised his bravery. Emperor Guangwu observed that Zang Gong was diligent and reserved, and held him in great favor. When he arrived at Hebei, he was appointed Pianniangeneral and followed to defeat the rebel forces, repeatedly charging into battle and repelling the enemy.
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光武即位，以為侍中、騎都尉。建武二年，封成安侯。明年，將突騎與征虜將軍祭遵擊更始將左防、韋顏於沮陽、酈，悉降之。五年，將兵徇江夏，擊代鄉、鐘武、竹里，皆下之。帝使太中大夫持節拜宮為輔威將軍。七年，更封期思侯。擊梁郡、濟陰，皆平之。 |
| | After Emperor Guangwu ascended to the throne, he was appointed as Shizhong and Qiduyi. In the second year of Jian Wu, he was enfeoffed as Cheng'an Hou. The following year, he led a cavalry force and joined Taolv General Jia Zun in attacking Gengshi's generals Zuo Fang and Wei Yan at Ju Yang and Li, bringing them all under submission. In the fifth year, he led troops to tour Jiangxia, attacking Daixiang, Zhongwu, and Zhuli, capturing them all. The emperor sent Taizhong Dafu with a ceremonial staff to appoint Zang Gong as Fuwei Jiangeneral. In the seventh year, his title was changed to Qisi Hou. He attacked Liang Jun and Ji Yin, pacifying them both.
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十一年，將兵至中盧，屯駱越。是時公孫述將田戎、任滿與征南大將軍岑彭相拒於荊門，彭等戰數不利，越人謀畔從蜀。宮兵少，力不能制。會屬縣送委輸車數百乘至，宮夜使鋸斷城門限。令車聲回轉出入至旦。越人候伺者聞車聲不絕，而門限斷，相告以漢兵大至。其渠帥乃奉牛酒以勞軍營。宮陳兵大會，擊牛釃酒，饗賜慰納之，越人由是遂安。 |
| | 략 In the eleventh year, Zang Gong led troops to Zhonglu and stationed his forces in Luoyue. At that time, Gong Sun Shu's generals Tian Rong and Ren Man were opposing General of the Southern Expedition Cen Peng at Jingmen. Cen Peng suffered several defeats in battle, and the Luoyue people plotted to rebel and join Shu. Zang Gong's forces were few, and he lacked the strength to control the situation. Just then, hundreds of transport carts from subordinate counties arrived with tribute supplies, and Zang Gong sent men at night to saw off the threshold of the city gate. He ordered the carts to make noise as they turned in and out until dawn. The Luoyue scouts, hearing the continuous sound of carts and noticing that the gate threshold had been cut off, spread word among themselves that a large Han army was coming. Their chieftains then presented oxen and wine to entertain the military camp. Zang Gong arranged a grand assembly with troops in formation, slaughtered oxen and brewed wine, offering banquets and gifts to comfort and pacify them. The Luoyue people thus remained at peace from then on.
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宮與岑彭等破荊門，別至垂鵲山，通道出秭歸，至江州。岑彭下巴郡，使宮將降卒五萬，從涪水上平曲。公孫述將延岑盛兵於沅水，時宮眾多食少，轉輸不至，而降者皆欲散畔，郡邑復更保聚，觀望成敗。宮欲引還，恐為所反。會帝遣謁者將兵詣岑彭，有馬七百匹，宮矯制取以自益，晨夜進兵，多張旗幟，登山鼓噪，右步左騎，挾船而引，呼聲動山谷。岑不意漢軍卒至，登山望之，大震恐。宮因從擊，大破之。斬首溺死者萬餘人，水為之濁流。延岑奔成都，其眾悉降，盡獲其兵馬珍寶。自是乘勝追北，降者以十萬數。 |
| | Zang Gong, together with Cen Peng and others, defeated the enemy at Jingmen, then separately advanced to Chuique Mountain, opened a passage through Zigui, and reached Jiangzhou. Cen Peng captured Badong Jun and ordered Zang Gong to lead 50,000 surrendered soldiers up the Fu River to Pingqu. Gong Sun Shu's general Yan Cen stationed a large force by the Yuan River. At that time, Zang Gong had many troops but little food supplies; reinforcements and provisions did not arrive, and those who had surrendered all wanted to disperse or rebel. The commanderies and counties once again formed defensive gatherings, watching for the outcome of the situation. Zang Gong wanted to withdraw but feared being attacked in return. Just then, the emperor sent a Yezhe officer with troops to Cen Peng, bringing 700 horses. Zang Gong forged an imperial order to take them for his own use. Advancing day and night, he raised many banners and flags, climbed mountains while beating drums and shouting, arranged infantry on the right and cavalry on the left, and pulled boats along with them, their shouts echoing through valleys and hills. Yan Cen did not expect the Han army to arrive suddenly; he climbed a mountain to look at them, greatly shocked and terrified. Zang Gong then launched an attack and thoroughly defeated them. Over ten thousand of the enemy were beheaded or drowned, so much so that the river turned murky with blood. Yan Cen fled to Chengdu; his entire force surrendered, and Zang Gong captured all their troops, horses, treasures, and valuables. From then on, riding the momentum of victory to pursue the defeated, tens of thousands surrendered.
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軍至平陽鄉，蜀將王元舉眾降。進拔綿竹，破涪城，斬公孫述弟恢，復攻拔繁、郫。前後收得節五，印綬千八百。是時大司馬吳漢亦乘勝進營逼成都。宮連屠大城，兵馬旌旗甚盛，乃乘兵入小雒郭門，歷成都城下，至吳漢營，飲酒高會。漢見之甚歡，謂宮曰：「將軍向者經虜城下，震揚威靈，風行電照。然窮寇難量，還營願從它道矣。」宮不從，復路而歸，賊亦不敢近之。進軍咸門，與吳漢並滅公孫述。 |
| | The army advanced to Pingyang Xiang, where Shu general Wang Yuan surrendered with his forces. They then captured Mianzhu, defeated Fu Cheng, and beheaded Gong Sun Shu's brother Gong Hui. They again attacked and captured Fan and Pi. In total, they recovered five seals of authority and 1800 seals and sashes. At that time, Grand Marshal Wu Han was also advancing his camp toward Chengdu on the momentum of victory. Zang Gong successively captured major cities, his troops and banners being very strong. He then led his forces into Xiaolu Guomen, marched past the walls of Chengdu, arrived at Wu Han's camp, and held a grand drinking feast. Wu Han was very pleased to see him, and said to Zang Gong: "General, your recent passage beneath the enemy city walls greatly demonstrated your might; you moved like the wind and shone like lightning. However, a desperate foe is hard to gauge. I hope upon returning to camp, you will take another route." Zang Gong did not follow this advice and returned by the same road; however, the rebels dared not approach him. Advancing to Xianmen, he joined Wu Han in eliminating Gong Sun Shu.
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帝以蜀地新定，拜宮為廣漢太守。十三年，增邑，更封酇侯。十五年，徵還京師，以列侯奉朝請，定封朗陵侯。十八年，拜太中大夫。 |
| | The emperor, considering the newly pacified Shu region, appointed Zang Gong as Taifu of Guanghan. In the thirteenth year, his fief was increased and he was re-enfeoffed as Zhuan Hou. In the fifteenth year, he was summoned back to the capital and, as a marquess of rank, participated in court audiences. His title was finally settled as Langling Hou. In the eighteenth year, he was appointed Taizhong Dafu.
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十九年，妖巫維汜弟子單臣、傅鎮等，復妖言相聚，入原武城，劫吏人，自稱將軍。於是遣宮將北軍及黎陽營數千人圍之。賊穀食多，數攻不下，士卒死傷。帝召公卿諸侯王問方略，皆曰「宜重其購賞」。時顯宗為東海王，獨對曰：「妖巫相劫，埶無久立，其中必有悔欲亡者。但外圍急，不得走耳。宜小挺緩，令得逃亡，逃亡則一亭長足以禽矣。」帝然之，即敕宮徹圍緩賊，賊眾分散，遂斬臣、鎮等。宮還，遷城門校尉，復轉左中郎將。擊武谿賊，至江陵，降之。 |
| | In the nineteenth year, disciples of the heretical witch Wei Si, such as Shan Chen and Fu Zhen, once again gathered under false prophecies, entered Yuanwu Cheng, robbed officials and civilians, and proclaimed themselves generals. The emperor then dispatched Zang Gong to lead several thousand troops from the Northern Army and Liyang Camp to surround them. The rebels had ample food supplies, so repeated attacks failed to capture them, resulting in many casualties among the soldiers. The emperor summoned ministers, marquesses, and kings of feudal states to ask for strategies; they all said, "We should offer generous rewards." At that time, Xianzong was the King of Donghai and alone replied: "These heretical witches are coercing each other; their situation cannot last long. There must be some among them who regret it and wish to escape." They simply cannot flee because the outer siege is too tight. We should slightly loosen the encirclement, allowing them to escape. Once they scatter and flee, even a single postal station officer would be enough to capture them." The emperor agreed with this suggestion and immediately ordered Zang Gong to lift the siege and ease pressure on the rebels. The rebel forces scattered, and Shan Chen, Fu Zhen, and others were then beheaded. After returning, Zang Gong was promoted to Chengmen Xiao Wei and later transferred to Zu Zhonglang Jiang. He attacked the rebels in Wuxi, reaching Jiangling, where he brought them under submission.
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宮以謹信質樸，故常見任用。後匈奴飢疫，自相分爭，帝以問宮，宮曰：「願得五千騎以立功。」帝笑曰：「常勝之家，難與慮敵，吾方自思之。」二十七人，宮乃與楊虛侯馬武上書曰：「匈奴貪利，無有禮信，窮則稽首，安則侵盜，緣邊被其毒痛，中國憂其抵突。虜今人畜疫死，旱蝗赤地，疫困之力，不當中國一郡。萬里死命，縣在陛下。福不再來，時或易失，豈宜固守文德而墮武事乎？今命將臨塞，厚縣購賞，喻告高句驪、烏桓、鮮卑攻其左，發河西四郡、天水、隴西羌胡擊其右。如此，北虜之滅，不過數年。臣恐陛下仁恩不忍，謀臣狐疑，令萬世刻石之功不立於聖世。」詔報曰：「黃石公記曰，『柔能制剛，弱能制彊』。柔者德也，剛者賊也，弱者仁之助也，彊者怨之歸也。故曰有德之君，以所樂樂人；無德之君，以所樂樂身。樂人者其樂長，樂身者不久而亡。舍近謀遠者，勞而無功；舍遠謀近者，逸而有終。逸政多忠臣，勞政多亂人。故曰務廣地者荒，務廣德者彊。有其有者安，貪人有者殘。殘滅之政，雖成必敗。今國無善政，災變不息，百姓驚惶，人不自保，而復欲遠事邊外乎？孔子曰：『吾恐季孫之憂，不在顓臾。』且北狄尚彊，而屯田警備傳聞之事，恆多失實。誠能舉天下之半以滅大寇，豈非至願；苟非其時，不如息人。」自是諸將莫敢言兵事者。 |
| | Zang Gong was cautious, trustworthy, and plain-spoken, so he was often entrusted with important duties. Later, when the Xiongnu suffered from famine and plague and began to quarrel among themselves, the emperor asked Zang Gong for his opinion. Zang Gong said: "I wish to lead 5,000 cavalrymen to achieve a feat of merit." The emperor smiled and said, "A family that always wins is hard to match as an opponent. I am thinking about it myself." In the twenty-seventh year, Zang Gong and Yang Xu Hou Ma Wu submitted a memorial stating: "The Xiongnu are greedy for profit, lacking in courtesy or trust. When desperate, they bow their heads; when at ease, they invade and steal. The border regions suffer from their cruelty, while the central lands worry about their aggression." Now that the Xiongnu people and livestock are dying from plague, drought and locusts have turned their land red with famine. Their strength, weakened by these calamities, is no match for even one commandery of China. Ten thousand miles away, the Xiongnu's fate hangs in Your Majesty's hands. Fortune will not come again; opportunity may easily be lost. How can we cling to literary virtue and neglect martial affairs? Now, if we appoint generals to the frontier and offer generous rewards, instructing Goguryeo, Wuhuan, and Xianbei to attack their left flank, while mobilizing Qiang and Hu forces from the four western commanderies of Hexi, Tianshui, and Longxi to strike their right. In this way, the northern Xiongnu will be destroyed within a few years. We fear that Your Majesty's benevolence and mercy may prevent action, or that your advisors' doubts will cause the great achievement of carving our names in stone for a thousand generations to be lost in this age of virtue." The imperial edict replied: "According to the records of Huang Shi Gong, 'Softness can control hardness; weakness can subdue strength.'" Softness is virtue; hardness is banditry. Weakness is the aid of benevolence, while strength is where resentment accumulates. Therefore it says: A virtuous ruler brings joy to others with his own happiness; "A ruler without virtue brings happiness to himself with his own pleasures." He who brings joy to others enjoys lasting happiness; he who seeks pleasure for himself will soon perish. Those who abandon the near and seek the distant labor in vain without achieving success; Those who forsake the distant to focus on the near find ease and a successful conclusion. A relaxed administration breeds loyal ministers, while an overburdened one fosters disorderly people. Therefore it is said: Those who pursue territorial expansion will face desolation; those who cultivate virtue will grow strong. He who contentedly possesses what he has remains at peace, while the greedy, in seeking more, bring ruin. A destructive and oppressive administration, though it may achieve temporary success, will inevitably fail. Now the state lacks good governance; calamities and changes never cease, the people are frightened and anxious, each unable to protect themselves—how can we now seek distant affairs beyond our borders? Confucius said: "I fear the Ji Sun family's troubles do not lie with Zhuan Yu." Moreover, the northern Di are still strong; reports of garrison farming and border alerts often prove false. If we could truly mobilize half the empire to destroy a great bandit force, would that not be our highest aspiration; But if the time is not right, it is better to let the people rest." From then on, none of the generals dared speak of military affairs.
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宮永平元年卒，謚曰愍侯。子信嗣。信卒，子震嗣。震卒，子松嗣。元初四年，與母別居，國除。永寧元年，鄧太后紹封松弟由為朗陵侯。 |
| | Zang Gong died in the first year of Yongping and was posthumously honored with the title Min Hou. His son Zang Xin succeeded him. Zang Xin died, and his son Zang Zhen succeeded him. Zang Zhen died, and his son Zhang Song succeeded him. In the fourth year of Yuanchu, he lived separately from his mother, and the fief was abolished. In the first year of Yongning, Empress Dowager Deng re-enfeoffed Zang Song's younger brother You as Langling Hou.
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| | 吳蓋陳臧... : |
論曰：中興之業，誠艱難也。然敵無秦、項之彊，人資附漢之思，雖懷璽紆紱，跨陵州縣，殊名詭號，千隊為群，尚未足以為比功上烈也。至於山西既定，威臨天下，戎羯喪其精膽，群帥賈其餘壯，斯誠雄心尚武之幾，先志翫兵之日。臧宮、馬武之徒，撫嗚劍而扺掌，志馳於伊吾之北矣。光武審黃石，存包桑，閉玉門以謝西域之質，卑詞幣以禮匈奴之使，其意防蓋已弘深。豈其顛沛平城之圍，忍傷黥王之陳乎？ |
| | Commentary: The cause of the renewed dynasty was indeed arduous. Yet the enemies lacked the strength of Qin or Xiang Yu, and the people naturally harbored thoughts of allegiance to Han. Though they might wear seals of office and sashes of rank, occupy cities and counties, adopt strange titles and false names, forming groups of a thousand, these were still insufficient to rival the great achievements of those who served with utmost loyalty. When the western regions were pacified and Han's might extended over all under heaven, the Rong and Jie lost their courage, while commanders sought to exploit remaining strength. This was indeed a time for bold ambition and martial valor, yet also a day when earlier aspirations turned to idle military posturing. Zang Gong and Ma Wu, with swords unsheathed and palms striking in resolve, let their ambitions race beyond the northern reaches of Yiwu. Emperor Guangwu, heeding the wisdom of Huang Shi Gong and preserving the weak sapling, closed the Jade Gate to reject envoys from the Western Regions and used humble words and gifts to treat Xiongnu emissaries—his intentions in prevention were indeed profound. Could it be that he had not forgotten the hardships of the Pingcheng siege, and thus endured the wounds inflicted by the ranks of King Jing?
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| | 吳蓋陳臧... : |
贊曰：吳公鷙彊，實為龍驤。電埽群孽，風行巴、梁。虎牙猛力，功立睢陽。宮、俊休休，是亦鷹揚。 |
| | Eulogy: Wu Gong was fierce and strong, truly a dragon's steed. He swept away the hordes like lightning, advancing swiftly through Ba and Liang like the wind. With tiger-like teeth and fierce strength, he established his achievements at Suyang. Zang Gong and Jun, with their dignified bearing, were also like eagles in flight.
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