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魏其侯窦婴者，孝文后从兄子也。父世观津人。喜宾客。孝文时，婴为吴相，病免。孝景初即位，为詹事。 |
| | Weiqi Hou Dou Ying was a nephew of Empress Xiaowen's cousin. His father was a native of Shigu Jin. He liked entertaining guests. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, Ying served as governor of Wu but was dismissed due to illness. At the beginning of Emperor Xiao Jing's reign, he became Zhanshi.
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梁孝王者，孝景弟也，其母窦太后爱之。梁孝王朝，因昆弟燕饮。是时上未立太子，酒酣，从容言曰：“千秋之后传梁王。”太后驩。窦婴引卮酒进上，曰：“天下者，高祖天下，父子相传，此汉之约也，上何以得擅传梁王！”太后由此憎窦婴。窦婴亦薄其官，因病免。太后除窦婴门籍，不得入朝请。 |
| | Liang Xiaowang was a younger brother of Emperor Xiao Jing; his mother, Empress Dowager Dou, loved him dearly. When Liang Xiaowang came to court, he and his brothers feasted together. At that time, the emperor had not yet designated a crown prince. When they were drunk and in high spirits, he casually said, "After my death, the throne will be passed to Prince Liang." Empress Dowager was delighted. Dou Ying took a cup of wine and presented it to the emperor, saying, "The empire belongs to Emperor Gaozu's empire. It is passed from father to son; this is an agreement of the Han dynasty. How can Your Majesty arbitrarily pass it on to Prince Liang!" From then on, Empress Dowager came to hate Dou Ying. Dou Ying also looked down upon his official position and was dismissed due to illness. lington Empress Dowager removed Dou Ying's gate credentials, forbidding him from entering court or making requests.
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孝景三年，吴楚反，上察宗室诸窦毋如窦婴贤，乃召婴。婴入见，固辞谢病不足任。太后亦惭。于是上曰：“天下方有急，王孙宁可以让邪？”乃拜婴为大将军，赐金千斤。婴乃言袁盎、栾布诸名将贤士在家者进之。所赐金，陈之廊庑下，军吏过，辄令财取为用，金无入家者。窦婴守荥阳，监齐赵兵。七国兵已尽破，封婴为魏其侯。诸游士宾客争归魏其侯。孝景时每朝议大事，条侯、魏其侯，诸列侯莫敢与亢礼。 |
| | In the third year of Emperor Xiao Jing's reign (154 BC), Wu and Chu rebelled. The emperor observed among his royal relatives that none of the Dous were as virtuous as Dou Ying, so he summoned Ying. Ying entered to see him and firmly declined, citing illness and claiming himself unworthy of the position. Empress Dowager also felt ashamed. The emperor then said, "Now that the empire is in urgent need, how can you, my royal grandson, possibly refuse?" He then appointed Ying as Grand General and bestowed upon him a thousand catties of gold. Ying then recommended several renowned generals and virtuous scholars such as Yuan Ang and Luan Bu who were at home, recommending them for appointment. The gold he was granted, he had displayed under the corridor eaves; whenever military officers passed by, they were allowed to take whatever amount they needed for use. None of the gold entered his home. Dou Ying was stationed at Yingyang, overseeing the armies of Qi and Zhao. After the seven states' forces had been completely defeated, Ying was enfeoffed as Hou Weiqi. All itinerant scholars and guests vied to return to Weiqi Hou. During Emperor Xiao Jing's reign, whenever major matters were discussed in court, neither Marquis Tiao nor Weiqi Hou dared to treat the other as an equal.
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孝景四年，立栗太子，使魏其侯为太子傅。孝景七年，栗太子废，魏其数争不能得。魏其谢病，屏居蓝田南山之下数月，诸宾客辩士说之，莫能来。梁人高遂乃说魏其曰：“能富贵将军者，上也；能亲将军者，太后也。今将军傅太子，太子废而不能争；争不能得，又弗能死。自引谢病，拥赵女，屏闲处而不朝。相提而论，是自明扬主上之过。有如两宫螫将军，则妻子毋类矣。”魏其侯然之，乃遂起，朝请如故。 |
| | In the fourth year of Emperor Xiao Jing's reign , Crown Prince Li was established, and Weiqi Hou was appointed as his tutor. In the seventh year of Emperor Xiao Jing's reign, Crown Prince Li was deposed, and Weiqi repeatedly argued but could not prevail. Weiqi claimed illness and withdrew to live in seclusion for several months beneath the southern mountains of Lantian. Various guests and eloquent scholars tried to persuade him, but none could bring him back. Gao Sui of Liang then advised Weiqi, saying, "What can make a general rich and noble is the emperor; what can be intimate with General is Empress Dowager. Now, you are the tutor of the crown prince; yet when the crown prince was deposed, you could not fight for him; having failed to prevail in your argument and also failing to die. You voluntarily claimed illness, took a woman from Zhao as a concubine, withdrew into seclusion, and did not attend court. To be compared together like this is to openly expose the emperor's faults. If the two palaces were to take action against you, your wife and children would suffer as well." Weiqi Hou found his words convincing, so he rose again and resumed attending court as before.
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桃侯免相，窦太后数言魏其侯。孝景帝曰：“太后岂以为臣有爱，不相魏其？魏其者，沾沾自喜耳，多易。难以为相，持重。”遂不用，用建陵侯卫绾为丞相。 |
| | Tao Hou was dismissed from the position of prime minister, and Empress Dowager Dou repeatedly spoke highly of Weiqi Hou. Emperor Xiao Jing said, "Does the empress dowager think that I have any favoritism and thus did not appoint Weiqi as prime minister? Weiqi is just a man who is pleased with himself, and he is too fickle. He cannot serve as prime minister; he lacks steadiness." Thus, he was not appointed. Instead, Jianling Hou Wei Wan was made chancellor.
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武安侯田蚡者，孝景后同母弟也，生长陵。魏其已为大将军后，方盛，蚡为诸郎，未贵，往来侍酒魏其，跪起如子姓。及孝景晚节，蚡益贵幸，为太中大夫。蚡辩有口，学盘盂诸书，王太后贤之。孝景崩，即日太子立，称制，所镇抚多有田蚡宾客计厕，蚡弟田胜，皆以太后弟，孝景后三年封蚡为武安侯，胜为周阳侯。 |
| | Wu'an Hou Tian Fen was the maternal younger brother of Empress Xiaojing, and he was born in Changling. After Weiqi had become Grand General, he was in the height of his power. At that time, Fen served as a junior official and had not yet gained prominence; he would go back and forth to serve wine at Weiqi's gatherings, kneeling and rising like a son or younger relative. By the later years of Emperor Xiao Jing's reign, Fen became increasingly honored and powerful, serving as Taizhong Dafu. Fen was eloquent and articulate; he studied various texts such as the Pan Yu classics, and Empress Dowager Wang regarded him as virtuous. After Emperor Xiao Jing died, the crown prince was immediately enthroned and assumed power. Much of what was pacified and stabilized had been planned by Fen's guests; his younger brother Tian Sheng also, as a brother-in-law to Empress Dowager, in the third year after Emperor Xiao Jing's death, was enfeoffed: Fen as Wu'an Hou and Sheng as Zhouyang Hou.
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武安侯新欲用事为相，卑下宾客，进名士家居者贵之，欲以倾魏其诸将相。建元元年，丞相绾病免，上议置丞相、太尉。籍福说武安侯曰：“魏其贵久矣，天下士素归之。今将军初兴，未如魏其，即上以将军为丞相，必让魏其。魏其为丞相，将军必为太尉。太尉、丞相尊等耳，又有让贤名。”武安侯乃微言太后风上，于是乃以魏其侯为丞相，武安侯为太尉。籍福贺魏其侯，因吊曰：“君侯资性喜善疾恶，方今善人誉君侯，故至丞相；然君侯且疾恶，恶人众，亦且毁君侯。君侯能兼容，则幸久；不能，今以毁去矣。”魏其不听。 |
| | Wu'an Hou, newly eager to assume power as prime minister, humbled himself before his guests and elevated renowned scholars who were at home in official positions, hoping thereby to outshine Weiqi and the other generals and ministers. In the first year of Jianyuan , Chancellor Wan fell ill and was dismissed, so the emperor convened a discussion on appointing a new chancellor and Taiwei. Ji Fu advised Wu'an Hou, saying, "Weiqi has long been honored; the scholars of the empire have always looked up to him. Now that you are newly rising, not yet as prominent as Weiqi; if the emperor appoints you as chancellor, you will certainly have to yield to Weiqi. If Weiqi becomes chancellor, General must become Taiwei. The positions of Taiwei and Chancellor are equal in rank; there will also be the reputation of yielding to a virtuous man." Wu'an Hou then subtly advised Empress Dowager to influence the emperor. Thus, Weiqi Hou was made chancellor and Wu'an Hou became Taiwei. Ji Fu congratulated Weiqi Hou and, at the same time, said with a sigh, "Your Lordship's nature is to love good people and hate evil ones. At present, virtuous men praise you, so you have risen to chancellor; yet since you are quick to despise the wicked and there are many evil people, they will also damage your reputation. If you can tolerate both good and bad, then you will be fortunate for a long time; if not, you may now fall from favor due to criticism." Weiqi did not listen.
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魏其、武安俱好儒术，推毂赵绾为御史大夫，王臧为郎中令。迎鲁申公，欲设明堂，令列侯就国，除关，以礼为服制，以兴太平。举适诸窦宗室毋节行者，除其属籍。时诸外家为列侯，列侯多尚公主，皆不欲就国，以故毁日至窦太后。太后好黄老之言，而魏其、武安、赵绾、王臧等务隆推儒术，贬道家言，是以窦太后滋不说魏其等。及建元二年，御史大夫赵绾请无奏事东宫。窦太后大怒，乃罢逐赵绾、王臧等，而免丞相、太尉，以柏至侯许昌为丞相，武强侯庄青翟为御史大夫。魏其、武安由此以侯家居。 |
| | Both Weiqi and Wu'an favored Confucianism, promoting Zhao Wan as Yushi Daifu and Wang Zang as Langzhong Ling. They invited Shen Gong of Lu, wishing to establish the Hall of Brightness (Mingtang), ordering marquises and dukes to return to their fiefs, abolishing border checkpoints, instituting ceremonial dress according to rites, in order to promote an era of peace and prosperity. They selected suitable members from the Dou family among the imperial clan who lacked moral integrity and removed them from their official records. At that time, many of the imperial relatives who were marquises or dukes had married princesses and did not wish to return to their fiefdoms. Because of this, daily criticisms reached Empress Dowager Dou. Empress Dowager favored the teachings of Huang-Lao (Daoism), while Weiqi, Wu'an, Zhao Wan, Wang Zang and others were determined to promote Confucian doctrines and belittle Daoist ideas. Therefore, Empress Dowager became increasingly displeased with Weiqi and his associates. And in the second year of Jianyuan, Yushi Daifu Zhao Wan requested that no matters be reported to the Eastern Palace. Empress Dowager Dou was greatly angered, so she dismissed and expelled Zhao Wan, Wang Zang, and others. She also removed the positions of Chancellor and Taiwei, appointing Bai Zhi Hou Xu Chang as chancellor and Wuqiang Hou Zhuang Qingzhi as Yushi Daifu. From then on, Weiqi and Wu'an remained at home in their noble status without official duties.
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武安侯虽不任职，以王太后故，亲幸，数言事多效，天下吏士趋势利者，皆去魏其归武安，武安日益横。建元六年，窦太后崩，丞相昌、御史大夫青翟坐丧事不办，免。以武安侯蚡为丞相，以大司农韩安国为御史大夫。天下士郡诸侯愈益附武安。 |
| | Although Wu'an Hou did not hold an official post, due to Empress Dowager Wang's favor, he remained close and favored. He often spoke on matters and achieved much success; thus, officials and scholars who sought power and profit all left Weiqi and flocked to Wu'an. As a result, Wu'an became increasingly arrogant. In the sixth year of Jianyuan (135 BC), Empress Dowager Dou died. Chancellor Chang and Yushi Daifu Qingzhi were dismissed for failing to properly handle funeral arrangements. Wu'an Hou Fen was appointed as chancellor, and Da Siniang Han Anguo became Yushi Daifu. Scholars from all over the empire and marquises of various fiefs increasingly attached themselves to Wu'an.
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武安者，貌侵，生贵甚。又以为诸侯王多长，上初即位，富于春秋，蚡以肺腑为京师相，非痛折节以礼诎之，天下不肃。当是时，丞相入奏事，坐语移日，所言皆听。荐人或起家至二千石，权移主上。上乃曰：“君除吏已尽未？吾亦欲除吏。”尝请考工地益宅，上怒曰：“君何不遂取武库！”是后乃退。尝召客饮，坐其兄盖侯南乡，自坐东乡，以为汉相尊，不可以兄故私桡。武安由此滋骄，治宅甲诸第。田园极膏腴，而市买郡县器物相属于道。前堂罗钟鼓，立曲旃；后房妇女以百数。诸侯奉金玉狗马玩好，不可胜数。 |
| | Wu'an was not handsome, but he was born into great nobility. Moreover, many of the feudal kings were now grown; since the emperor had just ascended the throne and was still young, Fen, as a close relative serving as chancellor in the capital, believed that unless he strictly adhered to propriety and humbled them forcefully, the empire would not be orderly. At this time, when the chancellor entered court to present matters, he would sit and speak for hours; whatever he said was always accepted. Those recommended by him might rise from commoners directly to the rank of 2,000-dan officials; power had shifted away from the emperor. The emperor then said, "Have you already appointed all your officials? I also want to appoint some officials." Once, he requested more land for the construction of his residence. The emperor was angry and said, "Why don't you just take the Armory!" After this, he withdrew. Once when he hosted a banquet for his guests, he seated his elder brother Gai Hou facing south and himself sat facing east, considering that as the Han chancellor, one could not be privately swayed by familial ties. Wu'an thus became increasingly arrogant, building a residence superior to all others in luxury. His farmland was the most fertile, and his caravans transporting goods purchased from various commanderies and counties were constantly seen on the roads. In front of his hall, he displayed bells and drums, and erected curved banners; hundreds of women were in the inner chambers. The feudal lords presented him with gold, jade, dogs, horses, and all kinds of luxuries, too numerous to count.
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魏其失窦太后，益疏不用，无势，诸客稍稍自引而怠傲，唯灌将军独不失故。魏其日默默不得志，而独厚遇灌将军。 |
| | Weiqi had lost the favor of Empress Dowager Dou and became increasingly distant from power, losing influence. His guests gradually withdrew and grew indifferent or arrogant; only General Guan remained loyal to him without change. Weiqi became increasingly silent and frustrated, but he treated General Guan especially kindly.
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灌将军夫者，颍阴人也。夫父张孟，尝为颍阴侯婴舍人，得幸，因进之至二千石，故蒙灌氏姓为灌孟。吴楚反时，颍阴侯灌何为将军，属太尉，请灌孟为校尉。夫以千人与父俱。灌孟年老，颍阴侯强请之，郁郁不得意，故战常陷坚，遂死吴军中。军法，父子俱从军，有死事，得与丧归。灌夫不肯随丧归，奋曰：“愿取吴王若将军头，以报父之仇。”于是灌夫被甲持戟，募军中壮士所善愿从者数十人。及出壁门，莫敢前。独二人及从奴十数骑驰入吴军，至吴将麾下，所杀伤数十人。不得前，复驰还，走入汉壁，皆亡其奴，独与一骑归。夫身中大创十馀，适有万金良药，故得无死。夫创少瘳，又复请将军曰：“吾益知吴壁中曲折，请复往。”将军壮义之，恐亡夫，乃言太尉，太尉乃固止之。吴已破，灌夫以此名闻天下。 |
| | General Guan's wife was a native of Yingyin. Her father, Zhang Meng, had once served as a retainer for Marquis Ying of Yingyin and gained favor. Through this connection, he rose to the rank of 2000-dan official; thus, she was given the surname Guan by the Guan family and became known as Guan Meng. During the rebellion of Wu and Chu, Marquis Yingyin Guan He served as a general under Taiwei, who requested that Guan Meng be appointed as an Xiuwei. She went with her father and a thousand men. Guan Meng was old, and Marquis Yingyin strongly requested his services. Feeling dejected and dissatisfied, he often led his troops into the fiercest battles and eventually died in the Wu army's ranks. According to military law, if father and son both served in the army and one was killed in action, they were allowed to return home with the body for burial. Guan Fu refused to return with his father's corpse, and resolutely declared, "I wish to behead King Wu or a general of his army in order to avenge my father." Thus, Guan Fu donned armor and held a halberd, recruiting dozens of brave soldiers from the army who were his friends and willing to follow him. When they left the camp gate, no one dared to advance. Only two men and a dozen or so of his servants rode into the Wu army, reaching beneath the banner of a Wu general, killing and wounding dozens. Unable to advance further, they turned back in full gallop, fleeing into the Han camp; all their servants were lost, and Guan Fu returned alone with just one horse. Guan Fu had suffered more than ten serious wounds; it was only because he happened to have a fine medicinal remedy worth 10,000 gold pieces that he did not die. After his wounds had slightly healed, Guan Fu once again requested from the general, "I now know more about the intricacies of Wu's camp. Please allow me to go back." The general admired his valor and righteousness, but fearing that Guan Fu might be lost, he reported the matter to Taiwei. Taiwei firmly prevented him from going. After Wu was defeated, Guan Fu became famous throughout the empire for this feat.
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颍阴侯言之上，上以夫为中郎将。数月，坐法去。后家居长安，长安中诸公莫弗称之。孝景时，至代相。孝景崩，今上初即位，以为淮阳天下交，劲兵处，故徙夫为淮阳太守。建元元年，入为太仆。二年，夫与长乐卫尉窦甫饮，轻重不得，夫醉，搏甫。甫，窦太后昆弟也。上恐太后诛夫，徙为燕相。数岁，坐法去官，家居长安。 |
| | Yingyin Hou recommended him to the emperor; the emperor appointed Guan Fu as Zhonglangjiang. After several months, he was dismissed from office for breaking the law. Later, while living at home in Chang'an, all the prominent officials in Chang'an failed to fail to praise him. During the reign of Emperor Xiaojing, he rose to become Chancellor of Dai. After Emperor Xiaojing died and the current emperor ascended the throne, he considered Huaiyang to be a place of strategic importance with strong military forces; therefore, he transferred Guan Fu to serve as governor of Huaiyang. In the first year of Jianyuan, he was appointed Tai Pu. In the second year, Guan Fu and Zhangle Weiwei Dou Fu drank together; they failed to observe proper etiquette in their drinking. Guan Fu became drunk and struck Dou Fu. Dou Fu was a brother of Empress Dowager Dou. The emperor, fearing that the empress dowager would punish Guan Fu, transferred him to serve as Chancellor of Yan. After several years, he was removed from office for breaking the law and returned home to live in Chang'an.
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灌夫为人刚直使酒，不好面谀。贵戚诸有势在己之右，不欲加礼，必陵之；诸士在己之左，愈贫贱，尤益敬，与钧。稠人广众，荐宠下辈。士亦以此多之。 |
| | Guan Fu was a man of firmness and integrity who drank heavily, and he did not like flattery to one's face. If powerful relatives or influential figures ranked higher than himself were unwilling to show him courtesy, he would certainly look down on them; Those scholars who ranked lower than himself, even if they were poorer and of low status, he especially respected as equals. In the presence of many people, he would recommend and honor those of lower rank. Scholars also praised him for this reason.
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夫不喜文学，好任侠，已然诺。诸所与交通，无非豪桀大猾。家累数千万，食客日数十百人。陂池田园，宗族宾客为权利，横于颍川。颍川儿乃歌之曰：“颍水清，灌氏宁；颍水浊，灌氏族。” |
| | Guan Fu did not like literature, but he favored chivalry and kept his word once given. All those with whom he associated were nothing but powerful rascals and notorious villains. His family's wealth accumulated to tens of thousands, and his guests ate at his house daily in dozens or even hundreds. With ponds, fields, and estates, his clan members and guests engaged in power struggles and acted recklessly, causing disorder in Yingchuan. The youths of Yingchuan even sang a song: "When the waters of Ying are clear, the Guan clan is at peace; When the waters of Ying grow murky, the Guan family suffers."
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灌夫家居虽富，然失势，卿相侍中宾客益衰。及魏其侯失势，亦欲倚灌夫引绳批根生平慕之后弃之者。灌夫亦倚魏其而通列侯宗室为名高。两人相为引重，其游如父子然。相得驩甚，无厌，恨相知晚也。 |
| | Although Guan Fu was wealthy while living at home, he had lost power and influence; his retinue of officials, ministers, attendants, and guests gradually dwindled. When Weiqi Hou lost power, he also wanted to rely on Guan Fu to criticize and expose those who had once admired him but later abandoned him. Guan Fu also relied on Weiqi Hou to connect with marquises, members of the imperial clan, and others in order to enhance his reputation. The two supported each other's prestige; their relationship was as close as that between father and son. They became very happy with each other, never tiring of one another, regretting they had come to know each other too late.
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灌夫有服，过丞相。丞相从容曰：“吾欲与仲孺过魏其侯，会仲孺有服。”灌夫曰：“将军乃肯幸临况魏其侯，夫安敢以服为解！请语魏其侯帐具，将军旦日蚤临。”武安许诺。灌夫具语魏其侯如所谓武安侯。魏其与其夫人益市牛酒，夜洒埽，早帐具至旦。平明，令门下候伺。至日中，丞相不来。魏其谓灌夫曰：“丞相岂忘之哉？”灌夫不怿，曰：“夫以服请，宜往。”乃驾，自往迎丞相。丞相特前戏许灌夫，殊无意往。及夫至门，丞相尚卧。于是夫入见，曰：“将军昨日幸许过魏其，魏其夫妻治具，自旦至今，未敢尝食。”武安鄂谢曰：“吾昨日醉，忽忘与仲孺言。”乃驾往，又徐行，灌夫愈益怒。及饮酒酣，夫起舞属丞相，丞相不起，夫从坐上语侵之。魏其乃扶灌夫去，谢丞相。丞相卒饮至夜，极驩而去。 |
| | Guan Fu was in mourning and visited the Chancellor. The Chancellor spoke casually, saying, "I wanted to visit Weiqi Hou with Zhongru, but coincidentally, Zhongru is in mourning." Guan Fu said, "General would be so kind as to visit Weiqi Hou, how could I dare use my mourning attire as an excuse!" "Please inform Weiqi Hou's household to prepare the accommodations; General should visit early tomorrow morning." Wu'an agreed. Guan Fu informed Weiqi Hou exactly as he had said about Marquis Wu'anhou. Weiqi and his wife bought more cattle and wine, swept the premises at night, and prepared accommodations from early morning until dawn. At daybreak, he ordered attendants under his gate to wait in anticipation. By midday, the Chancellor had not arrived. Weiqi said to Guan Fu, "Could it be that the Chancellor has forgotten?" Guan Fu was displeased and said, "I requested to come despite my mourning; he should have come." He then mounted his carriage and went out himself to meet the Chancellor. The Chancellor had merely made a casual promise to Guan Fu earlier, with no real intention of going. When Guan Fu arrived at the gate, the Chancellor was still lying in bed. At this point, Guan Fu entered to see him and said, "General, you were kind enough to promise yesterday to visit Weiqi. Weiqi and his wife have been preparing the banquet since dawn until now, and they have not dared to taste a single meal." Wu'an stammered in apology, saying, "I was drunk yesterday and forgot to mention it to Zhongru." He then mounted his carriage to go, but proceeded slowly; Guan Fu became even more angry. When the drinking reached its height and the wine was flowing freely, Guan Fu got up to dance and invited the Chancellor to join him. The Chancellor did not rise, so Guan Fu proceeded from his seat to speak disrespectfully toward him. Weiqi then supported Guan Fu and led him away, apologizing to the Chancellor. The Chancellor continued drinking until nightfall, thoroughly enjoying himself before leaving.
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丞相尝使籍福请魏其城南田。魏其大望曰：“老仆虽弃，将军虽贵，宁可以势夺乎！”不许。灌夫闻，怒，骂籍福。籍福恶两人有郤，乃谩自好谢丞相曰：“魏其老且死，易忍，且待之。”已而武安闻魏其、灌夫实怒不予田，亦怒曰：“魏其子尝杀人，蚡活之。蚡事魏其无所不可，何爱数顷田？且灌夫何与也？吾不敢复求田。”武安由此大怨灌夫、魏其。 |
| | The Chancellor once sent Ji Fu to request the southern city fields from Weiqi. Weiqi was greatly offended and said, "Even though I am an old servant who has been discarded, can you, General, despite your high rank, really take it by force?" He refused. Guan Fu heard about this and became angry, scolding Ji Fu. Ji Fu, fearing the growing rift between the two men, falsely reassured the Chancellor by saying, "Weiqi is old and near death; it's easy to tolerate him for now. We can wait." Later, Wu'an learned that Weiqi and Guan Fu were indeed angry and refused to give up the land. He became furious and said, "Weiqi's son once killed a man, but I saved his life." "I have never refused anything Weiqi asked of me. Why should I be so stingy about several qing of land?" Moreover, what does Guan Fu have to do with this? "I dare not ask for the land again." Wu'an thus harbored great resentment toward Guan Fu and Weiqi.
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元光四年春，丞相言灌夫家在颍川，横甚，民苦之。请案。上曰：“此丞相事，何请。”灌夫亦持丞相阴事，为奸利，受淮南王金与语言。宾客居间，遂止，俱解。 |
| | In spring of the fourth year of Yuanguang, the Chancellor reported that Guan Fu's family in Yingchuan was extremely arrogant and oppressive, causing great hardship for the people. He requested an investigation. The emperor said, "This is a matter for the Chancellor to handle; why must you request permission?" Guan Fu also held onto secrets about the Chancellor's private affairs, committing acts of corruption for personal gain and accepting gold from King Huainan along with making secret agreements. With intermediaries among their guests, both sides eventually ceased hostilities and the matter was resolved.
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夏，丞相取燕王女为夫人，有太后诏，召列侯宗室皆往贺。魏其侯过灌夫，欲与俱。夫谢曰：“夫数以酒失得过丞相，丞相今者又与夫有郤。”魏其曰：“事已解。”强与俱。饮酒酣，武安起为寿，坐皆避席伏。已魏其侯为寿，独故人避席耳，馀半膝席。灌夫不悦。起行酒，至武安，武安膝席曰：“不能满觞。”夫怒，因嘻笑曰：“将军贵人也，属之！”时武安不肯。行酒次至临汝侯，临汝侯方与程不识耳语，又不避席。夫无所发怒，乃骂临汝侯曰：“生平毁程不识不直一钱，今日长者为寿，乃效女儿呫嗫耳语！”武安谓灌夫曰：“程李俱东西宫卫尉，今众辱程将军，仲孺独不为李将军地乎？”灌夫曰：“今日斩头陷匈，何知程李乎！”坐乃起更衣，稍稍去。魏其侯去，麾灌夫出。武安遂怒曰：“此吾骄灌夫罪。”乃令骑留灌夫。灌夫欲出不得。籍福起为谢，案灌夫项令谢。夫愈怒，不肯谢。武安乃麾骑缚夫置传舍，召长史曰：“今日召宗室，有诏。”劾灌夫骂坐不敬，系居室。遂按其前事，遣吏分曹逐捕诸灌氏支属，皆得弃市罪。魏其侯大愧，为资使宾客请，莫能解。武安吏皆为耳目，诸灌氏皆亡匿，夫系，遂不得告言武安阴事。 |
| | In summer, the Chancellor married the daughter of King Yan as his wife; with an imperial edict from Empress Dowager, he summoned all marquises and members of the royal clan to attend the celebration. Weiqi Hou visited Guan Fu and wanted to go with him. Guan Fu declined, saying, "I have often caused offense to the Chancellor through drinking-related mistakes; now the Chancellor has another grievance against me." Weiqi said, "The matter is already resolved." He insisted that they go together. When the drinking reached its peak, Wu'an rose to offer a toast; all those seated stood up and knelt in reverence. After Weiqi Hou offered his own toast, only old friends rose from their seats to kneel; the rest merely half-rose on one knee. Guan Fu was displeased. He got up to serve the wine, and when he reached Wu'an, Wu'an half-rose on one knee and said, "I am unable to finish a full cup." Guan Fu became angry and mockingly said, "General is a man of high rank; pour it for him!" At that time, Wu'an refused. When the wine reached Linru Hou, he was whispering with Cheng Bushi and did not rise from his seat. Since Guan Fu could not vent his anger on Wu'an, he turned and scolded Linru Hou, saying, "All my life I have spoken ill of Cheng Bushi, calling him worthless. Today a respected elder is offering a toast, yet you act like a girl whispering secretly!" Wu'an said to Guan Fu, "Cheng Bushi and Li Jian are both Weiwei of the Eastern and Western Palaces. Now you publicly humiliate Cheng General; will you not consider the position of Li General?" Guan Fu replied, "Even if my head is cut off today and I die, how would I know anything about Cheng or Li!" Those present then rose to go to the restroom one by one, gradually leaving. Weiqi Hou left and gestured for Guan Fu to exit as well. Wu'an then became furious, saying, "This is my fault for being arrogant toward Guan Fu." He ordered his cavalry to detain Guan Fu. Guan Fu wanted to leave but could not. Ji Fu got up and apologized, pressing Guan Fu's neck to make him bow in apology. Guan Fu became even angrier and refused to apologize. Wu'an then ordered his cavalrymen to bind Guan Fu and place him in a relay station, summoning the chief clerk and saying, "Today I summoned members of the royal family with an imperial decree." He impeached Guan Fu for insulting those present in a disrespectful manner and had him imprisoned. They then investigated his past offenses, sending officials to arrest various relatives of the Guan family in different districts; all were found guilty and sentenced to be executed by public exposure. Weiqi Hou was deeply ashamed, and used his resources to send guests to plead for Guan Fu's release, but no one could help. Wu'an's officials were all his eyes and ears; the Guan family members had fled or hidden, so while Guan Fu was in custody, he could not reveal Wu'an's secret misdeeds.
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魏其锐身为救灌夫。夫人谏魏其曰：“灌将军得罪丞相，与太后家忤，宁可救邪？”魏其侯曰：“侯自我得之，自我捐之，无所恨。且终不令灌仲孺独死，婴独生。”乃匿其家，窃出上书。立召入，具言灌夫醉饱事，不足诛。上然之，赐魏其食，曰：“东朝廷辩之。” |
| | Weiqi took it upon himself to rescue Guan Fu with determination. His wife advised Weiqi, saying, "General Guan has offended the prime minister and clashed with the empress dowager's family. Is it possible to save him?" Weiqi Hou said, "This marquisate was obtained through me; I will give it up through me. There is nothing to regret." "And besides, I will not allow Guan Zhongru to die alone while I live on by myself." So he hid at his home and secretly went out to submit a memorial. He was immediately summoned in, where he fully stated that Guan Fu had merely been drunk and overeating, which was not enough to warrant execution. The emperor agreed with this view, gave Weiqi food as a gift, and said, "We will debate the matter in the eastern court."
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魏其之东朝，盛推灌夫之善，言其醉饱得过，乃丞相以他事诬罪之。武安又盛毁灌夫所为横恣，罪逆不道。魏其度不可奈何，因言丞相短。武安曰：“天下幸而安乐无事，蚡得为肺腑，所好音乐狗马田宅。蚡所爱倡优巧匠之属，不如魏其、灌夫日夜招聚天下豪桀壮士与论议，腹诽而心谤，不仰视天而俯画地，辟倪两宫间，幸天下有变，而欲有大功。臣乃不知魏其等所为。”于是上问朝臣：“两人孰是？”御史大夫韩安国曰：“魏其言灌夫父死事，身荷戟驰入不测之吴军，身被数十创，名冠三军，此天下壮士，非有大恶，争杯酒，不足引他过以诛也。魏其言是也。丞相亦言灌夫通奸猾，侵细民，家累巨万，横恣颍川，淩轹宗室，侵犯骨肉，此所谓‘枝大于本，胫大于股，不折必披’，丞相言亦是。唯明主裁之。”主爵都尉汲黯是魏其。内史郑当时是魏其，后不敢坚对。馀皆莫敢对。上怒内史曰：“公平生数言魏其、武安长短，今日廷论，局趣效辕下驹，吾并斩若属矣。”即罢起入，上食太后。太后亦已使人候伺，具以告太后。太后怒，不食，曰：“今我在也，而人皆藉吾弟，令我百岁后，皆鱼肉之矣。且帝甯能为石人邪！此特帝在，即录录，设百岁后，是属宁有可信者乎？”上谢曰：“俱宗室外家，故廷辩之。不然，此一狱吏所决耳。”是时郎中令石建为上别言两人事。 |
| | When Weiqi went to the eastern court, he strongly praised Guan Fu's virtues and stated that his offense was merely drunkenness and overeating; it was the prime minister who falsely accused him of other matters. Wu'an, in turn, strongly denounced Guan Fu's reckless and arbitrary actions as crimes against the state and violations of morality. Weiqi realized there was nothing to be done about it, so he proceeded to speak ill of the prime minister's shortcomings. Wu'an said, "The empire is fortunate to be at peace and free from troubles; Fen has been able to serve as a close minister, indulging in his love of music, dogs, horses, farmland, and houses. The entertainers, actors, and skilled craftsmen that Fen loves are not like Weiqi and Guan Fu, who day and night gather heroes and valiant men from all over the world to discuss matters, speaking ill with their words and criticizing in their hearts. They do not look up at heaven or down at earth; they stand between the two palaces, waiting for a change in the empire's fortune so that they may achieve great merit. "I did not know what Weiqi and others were doing." At this, the emperor asked the court ministers, "Which of the two is correct?" The Grand Censor Han Anguo said, "Weiqi mentioned that Guan Fu's father died in service; he himself carried a halberd and galloped into the unpredictable Wu army, sustaining dozens of wounds, his name ranking first among all three armies. This is a brave man from throughout the empire. Unless he has committed some great crime, quarreling over cups of wine is not enough to justify citing other offenses for execution. Weiqi's words are correct." The prime minister also stated that Guan Fu associated with corrupt and cunning people, oppressed commoners, had amassed great wealth, acted recklessly in Yingchuan, trampled upon the royal family, and violated close relatives. This is what is called 'a branch larger than the trunk, a shank thicker than the thigh; if it does not break, it will certainly split.' The prime minister's words are also correct." "Only an enlightened sovereign can decide this matter." Ju An, the Minister of Titles and Ranks, supported Weiqi. Zheng Dangshi, the Director of Internal Affairs, also supported Weiqi but later dared not firmly maintain his position. The rest all dared not speak up. The emperor angrily said to the Director of Internal Affairs, "You have often spoken about Weiqi and Wu'an's strengths and weaknesses throughout your life. Today in court discussion, you cower like a horse under a cart yoke—I will behead all of you." He immediately dismissed the assembly and went to present food to the Empress Dowager. The empress dowager had also already sent people to wait and observe, who fully informed her of what happened. The empress dowager was furious, refused to eat, and said, "While I am still alive now, people trample upon my younger brother. After I die in a hundred years, they will treat him like fish meat." "And besides, how could the emperor possibly be a stone-hearted man!" "He is merely obeying the emperor's will now and acting passively. If the emperor were to die in a hundred years, would there still be anyone among these people who could be trusted?" The emperor apologized and said, "They are both relatives of the imperial family, so I had to debate it in court. "If not for that, this would have been decided by a single prison official alone." At this time, Shijian, the Minister of the Imperial Guards, separately advised the emperor about the affairs concerning these two men.
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武安已罢朝，出止车门，召韩御史大夫载，怒曰：“与长孺共一老秃翁，何为首鼠两端？”韩御史良久谓丞相曰：“君何不自喜？夫魏其毁君，君当免冠解印绶归，曰‘臣以肺腑幸得待罪，固非其任，魏其言皆是’。如此，上必多君有让，不废君。魏其必内愧，杜门齰舌自杀。今人毁君，君亦毁人，譬如贾竖女子争言，何其无大体也！”武安谢罪曰：“争时急，不知出此。” |
| | Wu'an had already left the court and stopped at the Chumen Gate, where he summoned Han Anguo, the Grand Censor, to his carriage. He angrily said, "You and Zhang Ru are together with one old bald man; why do you hesitate between two sides?" After a long while, Han Anguo said to the prime minister, "Why aren't you happy with yourself? "When Weiqi criticized you, you should have removed your hat and unfastened the seals of office to return them, saying 'Minister, I was fortunate enough by virtue of my close relationship with the emperor to hold this position, but clearly it is not suitable for me. All that Weiqi said about me is true.'" If you had done so, the emperor would have certainly praised your humility and would not have dismissed you. Weiqi would surely feel deep shame inside, shut himself in his house, bite his tongue, and commit suicide. "Now that others criticize you, you also criticize them back; it is like a petty merchant or woman quarreling—it shows how lacking in dignity and grandeur!" Wu'an apologized, saying, "In the heat of the argument, I didn't think to do this."
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于是上使御史簿责魏其所言灌夫，颇不雠，欺谩。劾系都司空。孝景时，魏其常受遗诏，曰“事有不便，以便宜论上”。及系，灌夫罪至族，事日急，诸公莫敢复明言于上。魏其乃使昆弟子上书言之，幸得复召见。书奏上，而案尚书大行无遗诏。诏书独藏魏其家，家丞封。乃劾魏其矫先帝诏，罪当弃市。五年十月，悉论灌夫及家属。魏其良久乃闻，闻即恚，病痱，不食欲死。或闻上无意杀魏其，魏其复食，治病，议定不死矣。乃有蜚语为恶言闻上，故以十二月晦论弃市渭城。 |
| | At this point, the emperor ordered the Grand Censor's office to investigate and hold Weiqi accountable for his statements about Guan Fu; it was found that many of them were not accurate and contained lies and falsehoods. He was impeached and imprisoned in the Office of Works. During Emperor Xiaojing's reign, Weiqi Hou often received a final imperial decree stating, "If there are matters that are inconvenient, you may submit your judgment based on what is expedient." When he was imprisoned, Guan Fu's crime had escalated to the point of being punishable by clan extermination; as the situation became increasingly dire, none of the officials dared to speak openly to the emperor again. Weiqi then had his nephew's son submit a memorial to the throne in an attempt to be fortunate enough to receive another audience with the emperor. After the memorial was submitted, it was found that there was no record of such a final decree in the Grand Secretariat's archives. The imperial decree had been secretly kept at Weiqi's home, sealed by his household official. They then impeached Weiqi for forging an edict of the late emperor; he was sentenced to execution by public exposure. In the tenth month of the fifth year, Guan Fu and his family were all condemned. Weiqi heard about it after a long time; upon hearing this, he became furious, fell ill with apoplexy, and lost his appetite, wishing to die. Some heard that the emperor had no intention of killing Weiqi; upon hearing this, Weiqi resumed eating, began treatment for his illness, and discussions concluded that he would not die. However, malicious rumors spread to the emperor's ears, so on the last day of December, Weiqi was executed by public exposure in Weicheng.
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其春，武安侯病，专呼服谢罪。使巫视鬼者视之，见魏其、灌夫共守，欲杀之。竟死。子恬嗣。元朔三年，武安侯坐衣襜褕入宫，不敬。 |
| | That spring, Wu'an Hou fell ill and repeatedly called for someone to serve him as he expressed his apologies. He sent a shaman who exorcised ghosts to examine the situation, and the shaman saw Weiqi and Guan Fu together guarding him, wanting to kill him. In the end, he died. His son Tian succeeded him. In the third year of Yuanshuo, Wu'an Hou was punished for wearing a chanyu robe into the palace, which was considered disrespectful.
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淮南王安谋反觉，治。王前朝，武安侯为太尉，时迎王至霸上，谓王曰：“上未有太子，大王最贤，高祖孙，即宫车晏驾，非大王立当谁哉！”淮南王大喜，厚遗金财物。上自魏其时不直武安，特为太后故耳。及闻淮南王金事，上曰：“使武安侯在者，族矣。” |
| | The Prince of Huainan, An, was discovered plotting rebellion and was investigated. Before the previous emperor's reign, Wu'an Hou served as Taiwei. At that time, when he met Prince An at Bashi, he said to him, "The emperor has no crown prince yet; Your Highness is the most virtuous and a grandson of Emperor Gaozu. If the imperial carriage does not return in the evening (i.e., if the emperor dies), who else should be enthroned besides Your Highness!" Prince An of Huainan was greatly pleased and gave him generous gifts of gold and valuables. The emperor had never approved of Wu'an since the time of Weiqi, but did so only for the sake of the empress dowager. When he heard about Prince An's gift-giving to Wu'an, the emperor said, "If Wu'an Hou were still alive, his entire clan would have been exterminated."
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太史公曰：魏其、武安皆以外戚重，灌夫用一时决厕而名显。魏其之举以吴楚，武安之贵在日月之际。然魏其诚不知时变，灌夫无术而不逊，两人相翼，乃成祸乱。武安负贵而好权，杯酒责望，陷彼两贤。呜呼哀哉！迁怒及人，命亦不延。众庶不载，竟被恶言。呜呼哀哉！祸所从来矣！ |
| | Grand Historian said: Weiqi and Wu'an both gained prominence as relatives of the imperial family; Guan Fu became famous for a single decisive action at one moment. Weiqi's rise to prominence was due to his actions during the Wu and Chu rebellion, while Wu'an's high status came at a critical moment between day and night. Yet Weiqi truly failed to understand the changing times, Guan Fu lacked strategy yet was not humble; these two men supporting each other ultimately caused disaster and chaos. Wu'an held power but craved authority, using a quarrel over cups of wine to hold expectations against others, thus entrapping those two virtuous men. Alas! How sad it is! Transferring anger onto others, his fate did not last long. The common people did not support him, and he was ultimately slandered with evil words. Alas! How sad it is!. This was the source of all misfortune!
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