| | 酈生陸賈... : |
酈生食其者，陳留高陽人也。好讀書，家貧落魄，無以為衣食業，為里監門吏。然縣中賢豪不敢役，縣中皆謂之狂生。 |
| | Li Shiji was a native of Gaoyang, Chenliu. He loved reading books, but his family was poor and destitute; he had no means to support himself with clothing or food, so he served as a gatekeeper for the neighborhood. However, the virtuous and influential people in the county dared not conscript him into service; everyone in the county called him a mad scholar.
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及陳勝、項梁等起，諸將徇地過高陽者數十人，酈生聞其將皆握齱好苛禮自用，不能聽大度之言，酈生乃深自藏匿。後聞沛公將兵略地陳留郊，沛公麾下騎士適酈生裏中子也，沛公時時問邑中賢士豪俊。騎士歸，酈生見謂之曰：「吾聞沛公慢而易人，多大略，此真吾所願從游，莫為我先。若見沛公，謂曰『臣里中有酈生，年六十餘，長八尺，人皆謂之狂生，生自謂我非狂生』。」騎士曰：「沛公不好儒，諸客冠儒冠來者，沛公輒解其冠，溲溺其中。與人言，常大罵。未可以儒生說也。」酈生曰：「弟言之。」騎士從容言如酈生所誡者。 |
| | When Chen Sheng, Xiang Liang and others rose in rebellion, more than ten generals passed through Gaoyang while seizing territory. Upon hearing that these commanders were petty-minded, fond of strict rituals, and self-willed, unable to accept grand strategies, Li Shiji thus concealed himself carefully. Later, when he heard that Pei Gong was leading troops to campaign in the outskirts of Chenliu, a cavalryman under Pei Gong happened to be Li Shiji's fellow townsman. At this time, Pei Gong often asked about virtuous scholars and influential men from the county. When the cavalryman returned, Li Shiji met with him and said, "I have heard that Pei Gong is disrespectful to others and has great strategies; this is truly the man I wish to follow. Do not go before me." "If you meet Pei Gong, tell him: 'There is a man named Li Shiji in my hometown. He is over sixty years old and eight chi tall. Everyone calls him a mad scholar, but he himself says that I am not a mad scholar.'" The cavalryman said, "Pei Gong does not respect Confucian scholars. Whenever guests come wearing the scholar's cap, Pei Gong always takes off their caps and urinates in them." When speaking with people, he often curses loudly." "He cannot be persuaded by a Confucian scholar." Li Shiji said, "Just say it as you are told." The cavalryman calmly conveyed the words exactly as Li Shiji had instructed.
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| | 酈生陸賈... : |
沛公至高陽傳舍，使人召酈生。酈生至，入謁，沛公方倨床使兩女子洗足，而見酈生。酈生入，則長揖不拜，曰：「足下欲助秦攻諸侯乎？且欲率諸侯破秦也？」沛公罵曰：「豎儒！夫天下同苦秦久矣，故諸侯相率而攻秦，何謂助秦攻諸侯乎？」酈生曰：「必聚徒合義兵誅無道秦，不宜倨見長者。」於是沛公輟洗，起攝衣，延酈生上坐，謝之。酈生因言六國從橫時。沛公喜，賜酈生食，問曰：「計將安出？」酈生曰：「足下起糾合之眾，收散亂之兵，不滿萬人，欲以徑入彊秦，此所謂探虎口者也。夫陳留，天下之衝，四通五達之郊也，今其城又多積粟。臣善其令，請得使之，令下足下。即不聽，足下舉兵攻之，臣為內應。」於是遣酈生行，沛公引兵隨之，遂下陳留。號酈食其為廣野君。 |
| | When Pei Gong arrived at a relay station in Gaoyang, he sent someone to summon Li Shiji. When Li Shiji arrived and paid his respects, Pei Gong was sitting with legs spread on a couch, having two women wash his feet, when he received Li Shiji. Li Shiji entered and merely bowed deeply without kneeling, saying, "Do you wish to assist the Qin in attacking the feudal lords?" "Or do you want to lead the feudal lords to destroy the Qin?" Pei Gong scolded, "Foolish scholar!" lington We have all suffered under the Qin for a long time; therefore, the feudal lords are uniting to attack the Qin. How can you say I am helping the Qin to attack the feudal lords?" Li Shiji said, "If you must gather followers and raise a righteous army to punish the tyrannical Qin, then you should not be arrogant in receiving an elder." At this, Pei Gong stopped washing his feet, stood up, adjusted his robe, invited Li Shiji to sit in the upper seat, and apologized to him. Li Shiji then spoke about the strategies of the Six States during their alliances and conflicts. Pei Gong was pleased, gave Li Shiji food, and asked, "What is your plan?" Li Shiji said, "You have raised a band of rebels and gathered scattered troops, no more than ten thousand men. You wish to directly enter the powerful Qin state; this is like putting your hand into a tiger's mouth." Chenliu lies at the crossroads of the empire, a well-connected and accessible region. Now its city stores are also full of accumulated grain. I am on good terms with its magister; I request to be sent there, so that he will surrender the city to you." "If he does not listen, then you may raise your troops and attack it; I shall serve as an inside supporter." Thus they sent Li Shiji on his way, and Pei Gong led his troops to follow him. They then captured Chenliu. He was given the title Kuangye Jun (Lord of Kuangye) for Li Shiji.
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酈生言其弟酈商，使將數千人從沛公西南略地。酈生常為說客，馳使諸侯。 |
| | Li Shiji recommended his younger brother, Li Shang, and had him lead several thousand men to follow Pei Gong in the southwest campaign. Li Shiji often served as a diplomatic envoy, riding swiftly between the feudal lords.
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漢三年秋，項羽擊漢，拔滎陽，漢兵遁保鞏、洛。楚人聞淮陰侯破趙，彭越數反梁地，則分兵救之。淮陰方東擊齊，漢王數困滎陽、成皋，計欲捐成皋以東，屯鞏、洛以拒楚。酈生因曰：「臣聞知天之天者，王事可成；不知天之天者，王事不可成。王者以民人為天，而民人以食為天。夫敖倉，天下轉輸久矣，臣聞其下乃有藏粟甚多。楚人拔滎陽，不堅守敖倉，乃引而東，令適卒分守成皋，此乃天所以資漢也。方今楚易取而漢反卻，自奪其便，臣竊以為過矣。且兩雄不俱立，楚漢久相持不決，百姓騷動，海內搖蕩，農夫釋耒，工女下機，天下之心未有所定也。願足下急復進兵，收取滎陽，據敖倉之粟，塞成皋之險，杜大行之道，距蜚狐之口，守白馬之津，以示諸侯效實形制之勢，則天下知所歸矣。方今燕、趙已定，唯齊未下。今田廣據千里之齊，田閒將二十萬之眾，軍於歷城，諸田宗彊，負海阻河濟，南近楚，人多變詐，足下雖遣數十萬師，未可以歲月破也。臣請得奉明詔說齊王，使為漢而稱東藩。」上曰：「善。」 |
| | In autumn of the third year of Han (205 BCE), Xiang Yu attacked the Han forces, captured Yingyang, and the Han troops fled to defend Gong and Luo. The Chu forces heard that Marquis Huaiyin had defeated Zhao, and that Peng Yue repeatedly rebelled in the Liang region; therefore, they divided their troops to rescue them. At that time, Marquis Huaiyin was attacking the east to fight Qi. King Han repeatedly found himself in dire straits at Yingyang and Chenggao; he planned to abandon the area east of Chenggao and station his troops at Gong and Luo to resist Chu. Li Shiji then said, "I have heard that one who understands the Mandate of Heaven can achieve success in his royal cause; one who does not understand it cannot succeed." A king takes the people as his Mandate of Heaven, and the people take food as their Mandate of Heaven. The Ao Granary has long served as a central hub for transporting grain across the empire; I have heard that there is an especially large amount of stored grain beneath it. The Chu forces captured Yingyang but did not firmly defend the Ao Granary; instead, they withdrew eastward and stationed only a few soldiers to guard Chenggao. This is Heaven's way of aiding Han. Now, Chu is easily taken while Han instead retreats, voluntarily giving up this advantage; I secretly believe this to be a mistake. Moreover, two great powers cannot coexist. Chu and Han have been locked in a prolonged stalemate without resolution; the people are restless, the empire is unsettled, farmers abandon their plows, and female workers leave their looms—there has yet to be any settled will among the people of the world. I wish Your Majesty would urgently advance your troops, capture Yingyang, seize the grain at Ao Granary, block the perilous pass of Chenggao, close the Da Hang road, control the mouth of Feihu Pass, and guard the ferry at Baoma. By demonstrating this strategic advantage to the feudal lords, all under heaven will know where their allegiance should lie. At present, Yan and Zhao have already been pacified; only Qi remains unconquered. Now, Tian Guang holds Qi over a thousand li in extent; Tian Jian commands an army of 200,000 men stationed at Licheng. The Tian clan is powerful and well-rooted, backed by the sea and blocked by the rivers He and Ji to the south near Chu. Its people are numerous and prone to deceit; even if you send hundreds of thousands of troops, it cannot be conquered in a short time. I request that I may carry Your Majesty's decree to persuade King Qi to submit as an eastern vassal of Han." The king said, "Good."
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乃從其畫，復守敖倉，而使酈生說齊王曰：「王知天下之所歸乎？」王曰：「不知也。」曰：「王知天下之所歸，則齊國可得而有也；若不知天下之所歸，即齊國未可得保也。」齊王曰：「天下何所歸？」曰：「歸漢。」曰：「先生何以言之？」曰：「漢王與項王力西面擊秦，約先入咸陽者王之。漢王先入咸陽，項王負約不與而王之漢中。項王遷殺義帝，漢王聞之，起蜀漢之兵擊三秦，出關而責義帝之處，收天下之兵，立諸侯之後。降城即以侯其將，得賂即以分其士，與天下同其利，豪英賢才皆樂為之用。諸侯之兵四面而至，蜀漢之粟方船而下。項王有倍約之名，殺義帝之負；於人之功無所記，於人之罪無所忘；戰勝而不得其賞，拔城而不得其封；非項氏莫得用事；為人刻印，刓而不能授；攻城得賂，積而不能賞：天下畔之，賢才怨之，而莫為之用。故天下之士歸於漢王，可坐而策也。夫漢王發蜀漢，定三秦；涉西河之外，援上黨之兵；下井陘，誅成安君；破北魏，舉三十二城：此蚩尤之兵也，非人之力也，天之福也。今已據敖倉之粟，塞成皋之險，守白馬之津，杜大行之阪，距蜚狐之口，天下後服者先亡矣。王疾先下漢王，齊國社稷可得而保也；不下漢王，危亡可立而待也。」田廣以為然，乃聽酈生，罷歷下兵守戰備，與酈生日縱酒。 |
| | He followed his plan and once again took control of the Ao Granary. He then sent Li Shiji to persuade King Qi, saying, "Do you know where all under heaven is turning?" King Qi replied, "I do not." "If you know where all under heaven turns, then the state of Qi can be yours; if you do not understand it, even your own state of Qi cannot remain secure." King Qi asked, "To whom is all under heaven turning?" He replied, "To Han." King Qi asked, "On what basis do you say this?" He said, "King Han and King Xiang led forces to attack the Qin from the west. They made an agreement that whoever entered Xianyang first would be declared king of it." King Han was the first to enter Xianyang, but King Xiang broke his promise and did not grant him kingship over it, instead making him king of Hanzhong. King Xiang exiled and killed King Yi, and upon hearing this, King Han raised his troops from Shu and Han to attack the Three Qins. He marched out of the Guan Pass to demand an accounting for King Yi's death, gathered all the armies under heaven, and restored the descendants of feudal lords. He granted marquis titles to surrendered generals, distributed spoils among his soldiers, shared benefits with all under heaven, and thus both the bold heroes and virtuous talents were willing to serve him. The armies of the feudal lords came from all directions, while grain from Shu and Han flowed downstream in fleets of boats. King Xiang bore the name of breaking his agreement and was guilty of killing King Yi; he remembered no one's contributions, yet never forgot anyone's faults; those who won battles received no rewards, and those who captured cities received no fiefs; only members of the Xiang clan were allowed to hold power; when seals were carved for others, they were chipped and could not be given out. Spoils captured from cities were accumulated but never distributed as rewards: thus, all under heaven turned against him; the virtuous and talented resented him, yet no one was willing to serve. Therefore, the scholars of the world naturally turn toward King Han; this is a matter that can be decided without effort." King Han raised his forces from Shu and Han, pacified the Three Qins; crossed beyond the Xihe River, and supported troops in Shangdang; descended Jingxing Pass, and killed Duke Cheng'an; defeated the northern Wei forces, capturing thirty-two cities: this is an army of Chiyou, not by human strength alone, but a blessing from Heaven. Now that we have seized the grain at Ao Granary and blocked the perilous pass of Chenggao; defended the ferry at Baoma, closed the Da Hang slope, and controlled the mouth of Feihu Pass—those who resist last will fall first. If you quickly submit to King Han, then your state of Qi and its ancestral temple can be preserved; if you do not submit, destruction is just around the corner." Tian Guang believed this to be true and heeded Li Shiji's advice, disbanding the garrison forces at Lixia who had been preparing for battle, and spent each day feasting with Li Shiji.
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淮陰侯聞酈生伏軾下齊七十餘城，乃夜度兵平原襲齊。齊王田廣聞漢兵至，以為酈生賣己，乃曰：「汝能止漢軍，我活汝；不然，我將亨汝！」酈生曰：「舉大事不細謹，盛德不辭讓。而公不為若更言！」齊王遂亨酈生，引兵東走。 |
| | Marquis Huaiyin heard that Li Shiji had convinced over seventy cities in Qi to surrender without a fight, so at night he led his troops across the Pingyuan plain and launched a surprise attack on Qi. King Tian Guang of Qi, upon hearing that the Han army had arrived, believed Li Shiji had betrayed him and said, "If you can stop the Han forces, I will spare your life; otherwise, I shall boil you alive!" Li Shiji said, "Undertaking great endeavors requires no petty caution; a noble virtue does not shun confrontation. Yet you will not speak for me again!" King Qi then boiled Li Shiji alive and led his troops eastward to retreat.
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漢十二年，曲周侯酈商以丞相將兵擊黥布有功。高祖舉列侯功臣，思酈食其。酈食其子疥數將兵，功未當侯，上以其父故，封疥為高梁侯。後更食武遂，嗣三世。元狩元年中，武遂侯平坐詐詔衡山王取百斤金，當棄市，病死，國除也。 |
| | In the twelfth year of Han, Marquis Quzhou, Li Shang (Li Shiji's relative), as prime minister, led troops to fight against Qing Bu and achieved success. Emperor Gaozu listed the marquises and meritorious ministers, and thought of Li Shiji. Li Shiji's son Jie had led troops several times, but his achievements did not merit a marquis title. However, because of Li Shiji's legacy, the emperor granted Jie the title of Gaoliang Hou (Marquis of Gaoliang). Later his fief was changed to Wusui; the title passed through three generations. In the middle of the first year of Yuanshou, Marquis Wusui Ping was found guilty of forging an imperial decree to obtain 100 jin of gold from King Hengshan. He should have been executed in public, but he died while in prison and his fief was abolished.
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陸賈者，楚人也。以客從高祖定天下，名為有口辯士，居左右，常使諸侯。 |
| | Lu Jia was a native of Chu. As a retainer, he followed Emperor Gaozu in pacifying the empire. Known as an eloquent orator, he served at court and was often sent on diplomatic missions to the feudal lords.
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及高祖時，中國初定，尉他平南越，因王之。高祖使陸賈賜尉他印為南越王。陸生至，尉他魋結箕倨見陸生。陸生因進說他曰：「足下中國人，親戚昆弟墳在真定。今足下反天性，棄冠帶，欲以區區之越與天子抗衡為敵國，禍且及身矣。且夫秦失其政，諸侯豪桀并起，唯漢王先入關，據咸陽。項羽倍約，自立為西楚霸王，諸侯皆屬，可謂至彊。然漢王起巴蜀，鞭笞天下，劫略諸侯，遂誅項羽滅之。五年之閒，海內平定，此非人力，天之所建也。天子聞君王王南越，不助天下誅暴逆，將相欲移兵而誅王，天子憐百姓新勞苦，故且休之，遣臣授君王印，剖符通使。君王宜郊迎，北面稱臣，乃欲以新造未集之越，屈彊於此。漢誠聞之，掘燒王先人冢，夷滅宗族，使一偏將將十萬眾臨越，則越殺王降漢，如反覆手耳。」 |
| | When Emperor Gaozu's reign began, the empire had just been pacified. Wei He subdued Nanyue and was thus made its king. Emperor Gaozu sent Lu Jia to bestow a seal upon Wei He, appointing him King of Nanyue. When Lu Sheng arrived, Wei He received him with his hair in a topknot and legs spread wide, showing disrespect toward Lu Jia. Lu Sheng then proceeded to advise him, saying, "You are a native of Zhongguo (China), and your relatives, brothers, and ancestors' graves lie in Zhenping. Now you have abandoned your natural heritage, discarded the cap and sash of civilization, and wish to use this small Nanyue state to oppose the Son of Heaven as an equal power—disaster will soon befall you personally. Moreover, when the Qin lost their rule, the feudal lords and powerful men rose together; only King Han entered Guan Pass first and occupied Xianyang. Xiang Yu broke the agreement, declared himself Hegemon-King of Western Chu, and all feudal lords submitted to him; he could be called extremely powerful. Yet King Han rose from Ba and Shu, lashed the empire with his power, subdued the feudal lords by force, and eventually killed Xiang Yu to destroy him. Within five years, all under heaven was pacified; this was not due to human strength but the will of Heaven itself. The Son of Heaven has heard that Your Majesty, as King of Nanyue, did not assist the empire in punishing tyrants and rebels. The generals and ministers wish to move their troops and destroy you; however, the Son of Heaven pities the people who have recently endured hardship, so for now he is delaying action and has sent me instead to bestow your royal seal, issue a covenant, and establish diplomatic relations. You should personally go to the suburbs to welcome me, face north in submission as a subject, and not attempt to use your newly established but still weak state of Nanyue to resist this mighty power. "If Han truly hears of your defiance, they will dig up and burn the tombs of your ancestors, exterminate your clan, and send a single general with 100,000 troops to Nanyue. Then you would kill your king and surrender to Han—this would be as easy as turning one's hand upside down."
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於是尉他乃蹶然起坐，謝陸生曰：「居蠻夷中久，殊失禮義。」因問陸生曰：「我孰與蕭何、曹參、韓信賢？」陸生曰：「王似賢。」復曰：「我孰與皇帝賢？」陸生曰：「皇帝起豐沛，討暴秦，誅彊楚，為天下興利除害，繼五帝三王之業，統理中國。中國之人以億計，地方萬里，居天下之膏腴，人眾車轝，萬物殷富，政由一家，自天地剖泮未始有也。今王眾不過數十萬，皆蠻夷，崎嶇山海閒，譬若漢一郡，王何乃比於漢！」尉他大笑曰：「吾不起中國，故王此。使我居中國，何渠不若漢？」乃大說陸生，留與飲數月。曰：「越中無足與語，至生來，令我日聞所不聞。」賜陸生橐中裝直千金，他送亦千金。陸生卒拜尉他為南越王，令稱臣奉漢約。歸報，高祖大悅，拜賈為太中大夫。 |
| | At this, Wei He suddenly rose to his feet and apologized to Lu Sheng, saying, "I have been living among the barbarians for too long; I have greatly neglected etiquette and righteousness." He then asked Lu Sheng, "Compared to Xiao He, Cao Can, and Han Xin, who is more virtuous?" Lu Sheng said, "You seem virtuous." He then asked again, "Compared to the emperor, who is more virtuous?" Lu Sheng said, "The emperor rose from Feng and Pei, punished the tyrannical Qin, destroyed the powerful Chu, brought benefits to the people and eliminated harm for all under heaven, continued the legacy of the Five Emperors and Three Kings, and unified and governed China. The Chinese people number in the tens of millions, with territory spanning ten thousand li. The land is rich and fertile; the population is numerous and vehicles abundant, all things are plentiful and prosperous, and governance flows from a single family—since heaven and earth were first divided, there has never been anything like it. "Now Your Majesty's people number no more than several hundred thousand, and they are all barbarians living in rugged mountains and distant seas. Compared to Han, you are like a single commandery of the empire; how can you dare to compare yourself with Han!" Wei He laughed heartily and said, "I did not rise in China, so I became king here. "If I had lived in China, how could I possibly be less than the Han?" He was greatly pleased with Lu Sheng and kept him as a guest for several months. Saying, "In Nanyue there is no one with whom I can speak meaningfully; now that you have come, you allow me to hear things every day that I have never heard before." He gave Lu Sheng a gift of valuables worth 10,000 gold pieces and also presented another 10,000 in additional gifts. Lu Sheng finally formally conferred upon Wei He the title of King of Nanyue and ordered him to submit as a vassal, honoring his agreement with Han. Returning to report this, Emperor Gaozu was greatly pleased and appointed Lu Jia as Taizhong Dafu (Grand Director of the Central Secretariat).
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陸生時時前說稱詩書。高帝罵之曰：「乃公居馬上而得之，安事詩書！」陸生曰；「居馬上得之，寧可以馬上治之乎？且湯武逆取而以順守之，文武并用，長久之術也。昔者吳王夫差、智伯極武而亡；秦任刑法不變，卒滅趙氏。鄉使秦已并天下，行仁義，法先聖，陛下安得而有之？」高帝不懌而有慚色，乃謂陸生曰：「試為我著秦所以失天下，吾所以得之者何，及古成敗之國。」陸生乃粗述存亡之徵，凡著十二篇。每奏一篇，高帝未嘗不稱善，左右呼萬歲，號其書曰「新語」。 |
| | Lu Sheng often recited poetry and classics before the court. Emperor Gaozu scolded him, saying, "I gained my position by riding on horseback in battle; what need is there for poetry and books!" Lu Sheng said: "Though one may gain power through horseback warfare, can it also be governed by the same means?" Moreover, Tang and Wu overthrew their predecessors through force but then maintained power with virtue; they combined both civil and military strategies, which is the way to long-term stability. "In the past, King Fuchai of Wu and Zhibo perished due to excessive militarism; Qin relied on legalist punishments without change, and in the end, the Zhao clan was destroyed." "If Qin had unified all under heaven and then practiced benevolence and righteousness, followed the laws of ancient sages, how could Your Majesty have gained it?" Emperor Gaozu was displeased and showed a look of shame. He then said to Lu Sheng, "Please write for me an account of why Qin lost the empire, how I gained it, as well as the successes and failures of ancient states." Lu Sheng then briefly outlined signs of survival or downfall, composing a total of twelve chapters. Whenever one chapter was presented, Emperor Gaozu never failed to praise it highly; those around him would shout "Ten thousand years!" and the book came to be called Xin Yu ("New Discourses").
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孝惠帝時，呂太后用事，欲王諸呂，畏大臣有口者，陸生自度不能爭之，乃病免家居。以好畤田地善，可以家焉。有五男，乃出所使越得橐中裝賣千金，分其子，子二百金，令為生產。陸生常安車駟馬，從歌舞鼓琴瑟侍者十人，寶劍直百金，謂其子曰：「與汝約：過汝，汝給吾人馬酒食，極欲，十日而更。所死家，得寶劍車騎侍從者。一歲中往來過他客，率不過再三過，數見不鮮，無久慁公為也。」 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Xiaohui, Empress Dowager Lü held power and wished to make her relatives from the Lü clan kings. Fearing those ministers who were eloquent in speech, Lu Sheng judged that he could not contend against this plan, so he feigned illness, resigned his post, and remained at home. Because the fields and land of Haochi were fertile, it was suitable for establishing a family residence there. He had five sons and so sold the valuables he had obtained from his mission to Nanyue, which were worth 10,00 pieces of gold. He divided this among his sons, giving each son 200 gold pieces, instructing them to use it for starting a livelihood. Lu Sheng always traveled in a comfortable carriage drawn by four horses, accompanied by ten attendants who danced and played music. He carried a precious sword worth 100 gold pieces. Addressing his sons, he said, "I have made an agreement with you: when I visit you, you must provide me with men, horses, wine, and food to satisfy my desires completely, for ten days at a time before moving on." At the home where he died, his sons received the precious sword, carriage, horses, and attendants as part of their inheritance. "In a single year, when visiting other guests, he would generally not visit more than two or three times; frequent visits would become tiresome and would not be considered respectful to the host for long."
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呂太后時，王諸呂，諸呂擅權，欲劫少主，危劉氏。右丞相陳平患之，力不能爭，恐禍及己，常燕居深念。陸生往請，直入坐，而陳丞相方深念，不時見陸生。陸生曰：「何念之深也？」陳平曰：「生揣我何念？」陸生曰：「足下位為上相，食三萬戶侯，可謂極富貴無欲矣。然有憂念，不過患諸呂、少主耳。」陳平曰：「然。為之柰何？」陸生曰：「天下安，注意相；天下危，注意將。將相和調，則士務附；士務附，天下雖有變，即權不分。為社稷計，在兩君掌握耳。臣常欲謂太尉絳侯，絳侯與我戲，易吾言。君何不交驩太尉，深相結？」為陳平畫呂氏數事。陳平用其計，乃以五百金為絳侯壽，厚具樂飲；太尉亦報如之。此兩人深相結，則呂氏謀益衰。陳平乃以奴婢百人，車馬五十乘，錢五百萬，遺陸生為飲食費。陸生以此游漢廷公卿閒，名聲藉甚。 |
| | During Empress Dowager Lü's reign, she made her relatives from the Lü family kings. The Lüs seized power and sought to seize control of the young emperor, endangering the Liu clan. The Right Chancellor Chen Ping was troubled by this situation but lacked the strength to contend against it; fearing that disaster might befall himself, he often remained in seclusion, deeply pondering. Lu Sheng went to visit and entered directly into the hall where Chen Ping was seated; at that time, Chancellor Chen was deeply in thought and did not immediately receive Lu Sheng. Lu Sheng said, "What are you thinking so intently about?" Chen Ping asked, "Can you guess what I am thinking about?" Lu Sheng said, "Your position is that of the highest chancellor, and you hold a marquisate with revenues from 30,000 households; one might say you have reached the height of wealth and honor, with no further desires. Yet if you are still burdened by worries, it can only be about concerns over the Lüs and the young emperor." Chen Ping said, "Indeed. What should I do about it?" Lu Sheng said, "When the empire is at peace, focus on the chancellor; when the empire is in danger, focus on the general. When the general and chancellor are harmonious and coordinated, then the officials will be loyal; When the officials are loyal, even if there is upheaval in the empire, power will not be divided. For the sake of the state, it lies within your two men's control alone. I have long wanted to speak with Taiwei Marquis Jiao Hou; but Jiao Hou treats me as a plaything and dismisses my words. "Why don't you befriend Taiwei, build a close relationship with him?" Lu Sheng outlined several strategies regarding the Lü clan for Chen Ping. Chen Ping followed his plan and presented 500 gold pieces as a birthday gift to Marquis Jiao Hou, preparing lavish music and feasting; Taiwei also reciprocated in kind. With these two men forming a close alliance, the plans of the Lü clan gradually weakened. Chen Ping then gave Lu Sheng 100 servants, fifty carriages and horses, and five million coins as expenses for food and drink. With this wealth, Lu Sheng traveled among the high officials of the Han court, gaining great fame and reputation.
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及誅諸呂，立孝文帝，陸生頗有力焉。孝文帝即位，欲使人之南越。陳丞相等乃言陸生為太中大夫，往使尉他，令尉他去黃屋稱制，令比諸侯，皆如意旨。語在南越語中。陸生竟以壽終。 |
| | And when the Lüs were eliminated and Emperor Xiaowen was enthroned, Lu Sheng played a significant role in this matter. When Emperor Xiaowen ascended the throne, he wished to send envoys to Nanyue. Chancellor Chen Ping and others then recommended that Lu Sheng, as Taizhong Dafuh, be sent to Nanyue to visit Wei He, instructing Wei He to abandon the yellow roof (a symbol of imperial authority) and the title "Zhenzhi" (imperial decree), and instead adopt a status equal to other feudal lords, all in accordance with the emperor's wishes. This account is recorded within the Records of Nanyue. Lu Sheng eventually died a natural death at an old age.
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平原君朱建者，楚人也。故嘗為淮南王黥布相，有罪去，後復事黥布。布欲反時，問平原君，平原君非之，布不聽而聽梁父侯，遂反。漢已誅布，聞平原君諫不與謀，得不誅。語在黥布語中。 |
| | Zhu Jian, Lord of Pingyuan, was a native of the State of Chu. He had once served as chancellor to King Mangnai Qinqbu of Huainan, but was later dismissed for a crime; afterward, he again served Qinfu. When Qinfu wanted to rebel, he consulted Lord Pingyuan; Lord Pingyuan opposed the plan, but Qinfu did not listen and instead followed Liangfu Hou, so he rebelled. After Han had executed Qinfu, they learned that Lord Pingyuan had advised against the rebellion and was not involved in its planning; thus, he was not punished. This account is recorded in the biography of Qinfu.
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平原君為人辯有口，刻廉剛直，家於長安。行不茍合，義不取容。辟陽侯行不正，得幸呂太后。時辟陽侯欲知平原君，平原君不肯見。及平原君母死，陸生素與平原君善，過之。平原君家貧，未有以發喪，方假貸服具，陸生令平原君發喪。陸生往見辟陽侯，賀曰：「平原君母死。」辟陽侯曰：「平原君母死，何乃賀我乎？」陸賈曰：「前日君侯欲知平原君，平原君義不知君，以其母故。今其母死，君誠厚送喪，則彼為君死矣。」辟陽侯乃奉百金往稅。列侯貴人以辟陽侯故，往稅凡五百金。 |
| | Lord Pingyuan was a man eloquent and articulate, strict, upright, and incorruptible; he lived in Chang'an. He did not associate carelessly with others, nor did he seek favor by compromising his principles. Marquis Piyang acted improperly and gained the favor of Empress Dowager Lü. At that time, Marquis Piyang wished to meet Lord Pingyuan, but Lord Pingyuan refused to see him. When Lord Pingyuan's mother died, Lu Sheng, who had always been on good terms with Lord Pingyuan, visited him. Lord Pingyuan's family was poor and had no means to hold a funeral; they were still borrowing mourning clothes. Lu Sheng instructed Lord Pingyuan to proceed with the funeral arrangements. Lu Sheng went to see Marquis Piyang and congratulated him, saying, "Lord Pingyuan's mother has died." Marquis Piyang said, "Lord Pingyuan's mother has passed away—why are you congratulating me?" Lu Jia said, "Previously, Your Lordship wished to befriend Lord Pingyuan. Lord Pingyuan did not know you out of principle because of his mother's situation. Now that her mother has died, if Your Lordship sincerely provides generous funeral gifts, then he will be willing to die for you." Marquis Piyang then presented 100 gold pieces to attend the funeral. Because of Marquis Piyang, marquises and nobles also came to offer condolences, contributing a total of 500 gold pieces.
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辟陽侯幸呂太后，人或毀辟陽侯於孝惠帝，孝惠帝大怒，下吏，欲誅之。呂太后慚，不可以言。大臣多害辟陽侯行，欲遂誅之。辟陽侯急，因使人欲見平原君。平原君辭曰：「獄急，不敢見君。」乃求見孝惠幸臣閎籍孺，說之曰：「君所以得幸帝，天下莫不聞。今辟陽侯幸太后而下吏，道路皆言君讒，欲殺之。今日辟陽侯誅，旦日太后含怒，亦誅君。何不肉袒為辟陽侯言於帝？帝聽君出辟陽侯，太后大驩。兩主共幸君，君貴富益倍矣。」於是閎籍孺大恐，從其計，言帝，果出辟陽侯。辟陽侯之囚，欲見平原君，平原君不見辟陽侯，辟陽侯以為倍己，大怒。及其成功出之，乃大驚。 |
| | Marquis Piyang had the favor of Empress Dowager Lu, but some people slandered Marquis Piyang to Emperor Xiaohui. Emperor Xiaohui became furious and ordered his arrest by officials, intending to execute him. Empress Dowager Lu was ashamed but could not speak out on his behalf. Many high-ranking ministers resented Marquis Piyang's conduct and wished to proceed with his execution. Marquis Piyang was in a desperate situation, so he sent someone to seek an audience with Lord Pingyuan. Lord Pingyuan declined, saying, "The case is urgent; I dare not see you." He then sought to meet Heng Jiru, a favorite of Emperor Xiaohui's, and said to him, "The reason you have gained the emperor's favor is known by all under heaven. Now that Marquis Piyang has fallen into disgrace and been arrested, people on the roads are saying it was your slander that caused him to be condemned for death. If Marquis Piyang is executed today, tomorrow Empress Dowager will still be angry and may also execute you. Why not appear before the emperor in sackcloth and ashes to plead for Marquis Piyang?" If the emperor listens to you and releases Marquis Piyang, Empress Dowager will be greatly pleased. Both rulers would then favor you; your status and wealth would increase even more." Thus, Heng Jiru became greatly alarmed and followed his advice. He spoke to the emperor on Marquis Piyang's behalf, and as a result, Marquis Piyang was indeed released. While Marquis Piyang was imprisoned, he had wanted to see Lord Pingyuan, who refused to meet him. Marquis Piyang took this as a betrayal and became furious. Only after his success in securing Marquis Piyang's release did he become greatly surprised.
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呂太后崩，大臣誅諸呂，辟陽侯於諸呂至深，而卒不誅。計畫所以全者，皆陸生、平原君之力也。 |
| | After Empress Dowager Lu died, the ministers eliminated the Lü clan; Marquis Piyang had been closely associated with them but was ultimately not executed. The plan that ensured his survival was all due to Lu Sheng and Lord Pingyuan's efforts.
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孝文帝時，淮南厲王殺辟陽侯，以諸呂故。文帝聞其客平原君為計策，使吏捕欲治。聞吏至門，平原君欲自殺。諸子及吏皆曰：「事未可知，何早自殺為？」平原君曰：「我死禍絕，不及而身矣。」遂自剄。孝文帝聞而惜之，曰：「吾無意殺之。」乃召其子，拜為中大夫。使匈奴，單于無禮，乃罵單于，遂死匈奴中。 |
| | During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, King Mangnai of Huainan killed Marquis Piyang because of his association with the Lü clan. Emperor Wen heard that Lord Pingyuan had devised strategies for him and ordered officials to arrest and punish him. When he learned that the officials had arrived at his door, Lord Pingyuan wanted to commit suicide. His sons and the officials all said, "The matter is not yet clear; why kill yourself so soon?" Lord Pingyuan said, "If I die, the disaster will end and will not reach you." He then committed suicide. Emperor Xiaowen heard of this and regretted it, saying, "I had no intention to kill him." He then summoned his son and appointed him as Zhongdafa. When he was sent to the Xiongnu, Chanyu treated him with no courtesy; thus, he scolded Chanyu and died in the Xiongnu territory.
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初，沛公引兵過陳留，酈生踵軍門上謁曰：「高陽賤民酈食其，竊聞沛公暴露，將兵助楚討不義，敬勞從者，願得望見，口畫天下便事。」使者入通，沛公方洗，問使者曰：「何如人也？」使者對曰：「狀貌類大儒，衣儒衣，冠側注。」沛公曰：「為我謝之，言我方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也。」使者出謝曰：「沛公敬謝先生，方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也。」酈生瞋目案劍叱使者曰：「走！復入言沛公，吾高陽酒徒也，非儒人也。」使者懼而失謁，跪拾謁，還走，復入報曰：「客，天下壯士也，叱臣，臣恐，至失謁。曰『走！復入言，而公高陽酒徒也』。」沛公遽雪足杖矛曰：「延客入！」 |
| | Initially, when Lord Pei led his troops past Chenliu, Li Shiji approached the military gate and paid homage, saying: "I am a humble commoner of Gaoyang named Li Shiji. I have secretly heard that Lord Pei is exposed to hardships, leading an army to assist Chu in punishing injustice. With respect, I wish to offer my services and meet with you personally to discuss matters beneficial for governing the empire." The messenger entered to announce him. At that time, Lord Pei was washing and asked the messenger, "What kind of person is he?" The messenger replied, "He appears like a great Confucian scholar, wearing Confucian robes and a cap with side tassels." Lord Pei said, "Tell him for me that I am currently preoccupied with the affairs of the empire and have no time to meet Confucian scholars." The messenger went out and apologized, saying: "Lord Pei respectfully apologizes to you, Master. He is currently preoccupied with the affairs of governing the empire and has no time to meet a Confucian scholar." Li Shiji glared fiercely, drew his sword, and scolded the messenger: "Go away!" "I will go in again to speak with Lord Pei. I am a drunkard from Gaoyang, not a Confucian scholar." The messenger was frightened and dropped the credentials. He knelt to pick them up, ran back in fear, and reported: "This guest is a mighty man of the world; he scolded me, and I was so afraid that I nearly lost his credentials." "He said 'Go away!'" "Again, I will go in to speak with you. He is a drunkard from Gaoyang." Lord Pei immediately dried his feet, took up his spear, and said: "Bring the guest in!"
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酈生入，揖沛公曰：「足下甚苦，暴衣露冠，將兵助楚討不義，足不何不自喜也？臣願以事見，而曰『吾方以天下為事，未暇見儒人也』。夫足下欲興天下之大事而成天下之大功，而以目皮相，恐失天下之能士。且吾度足下之智不如吾，勇又不如吾。若欲就天下而不相見，竊為足下失之。」沛公謝曰：「鄉者聞先生之容，今見先生之意矣。」乃延而坐之，問所以取天下者。酈生曰：「夫足下欲成大功，不如止陳留。陳留者，天下之據衝也，兵之會地也，積粟數千萬石，城守甚堅。臣素善其令，願為足下說之。不聽臣，臣請為足下殺之，而下陳留。足下將陳留之眾，據陳留之城，而食其積粟，招天下之從兵；從兵已成，足下橫行天下，莫能有害足下者矣。」沛公曰：「敬聞命矣。」 |
| | Li Shiji entered and bowed to Lord Pei, saying: "You are suffering greatly, exposed in your clothes and with a bare head, leading an army to aid Chu in punishing injustice. Why do you not take pride in this?" "I wished to present my advice, but you said, 'I am currently preoccupied with governing the empire and have no time for Confucian scholars.'" "If you wish to accomplish great enterprises and achieve great feats in the empire, yet judge people by their appearances alone, I fear you will lose capable men from across the world." "Moreover, I estimate that your wisdom is not as great as mine, nor is your bravery." "If you wish to achieve the empire yet refuse to meet with me, I secretly think it a mistake for you." Lord Pei apologized and said: "Earlier I heard of your appearance, but now I have seen the spirit within you." He then invited him to sit and asked about strategies for seizing the empire. Li Shiji said: "If you wish to accomplish great feats, it would be better for you to halt at Chenliu." Chenliu is a strategic crossroads of the empire, a gathering place for troops, with stored grain amounting to tens of millions of dan. Its city defenses are very strong. "I have long been on good terms with its magister; I am willing to persuade him for you." "If he does not listen to me, I will kill him for you and then take Chenliu." "With the forces of Chenliu under your command, occupying its city and drawing upon its stored grain, you can summon troops from across the empire to follow you; once these forces are assembled, you will be able to roam freely throughout the empire without anyone daring to harm you." Lord Pei said: "I have heard your words with respect."
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於是酈生乃夜見陳留令，說之曰：「夫秦為無道而天下畔之，今足下與天下從則可以成大功。今獨為亡秦嬰城而堅守，臣竊為足下危之。」陳留令曰：「秦法至重也，不可以妄言，妄言者無類，吾不可以應。先生所以教臣者，非臣之意也，願勿復道。」酈生留宿臥，夜半時斬陳留令首，踰城而下報沛公。沛公引兵攻城，縣令首於長竿以示城上人，曰：「趣下，而令頭已斷矣！今後下者必先斬之！」於是陳留人見令已死，遂相率而下沛公。沛公舍陳留南城門上，因其庫兵，食積粟，留出入三月，從兵以萬數，遂入破秦。 |
| | Thus, Li Shiji went to see the magister of Chenliu at night and persuaded him, saying: "The Qin dynasty has been tyrannical, and the empire has rebelled against it. Now, if you side with the people of the world, great feats can be accomplished." "Now, however, you alone are defending a city for the doomed Qin dynasty and holding it firmly. I secretly fear for your safety." The magister of Chenliu said: "Qin law is extremely strict; one cannot speak recklessly. Those who do so face no mercy. I dare not respond." "What you have taught me, Master, is contrary to my intentions; I hope you will not speak of it again." Li Shiji stayed overnight, and at midnight beheaded the magister of Chenliu. He then descended over the city wall to report to Lord Pei. Lord Pei led his troops in an attack on the city, placed the magister's head on a long pole and displayed it to those on the city walls, saying: "Hurry up and surrender; your magistrate's head has already been cut off!" "Those who resist after this will surely be executed first!" Thus, the people of Chenliu saw that their magister had been killed and so successively surrendered to Lord Pei. Lord Pei stationed himself at the southern gate of Chenliu, used its stored weapons and provisions, remained in the city for three months, and his following forces grew to tens of thousands before he proceeded into Qin territory and defeated it.
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太史公曰：世之傳酈生書，多曰漢王已拔三秦，東擊項籍而引軍於鞏洛之閒，酈生被儒衣往說漢王。乃非也。自沛公未入關，與項羽別而至高陽，得酈生兄弟。余讀陸生新語書十二篇，固當世之辯士。至平原君子與余善，是以得具論之。 |
| | Grand Historian said: "The world's accounts of Li Shiji often say that after King Han had captured the Three Qins, he moved east to attack Xiang Ji and led his army between Gong and Luo. At this time, Li Shiji, dressed in Confucian robes, went to persuade King Han." This is incorrect. It was when Lord Pei had not yet entered Guan, and after parting from Xiang Yu to reach Gaoyang that he met the brothers Li Shiji. I have read twelve chapters of Lu Sheng's New Discourses and know for certain that he was a debater of his time. Lord Pingyuan, whose family I am on good terms with, is why I can provide this detailed account.
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