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韩信，淮阴人也。家贫无行，不得推择为吏，常从人寄食，从项羽为郞中，数以策干项羽，弗用，亡楚归汉，上未奇之也。数与萧何语，何奇之，至南郑，诸将亡者十数人，信度何已数言，上不我用，即亡，何闻信亡，不及以闻，自追之。人有言上曰：丞相何亡，上怒，如失左右手。 |
| | Han Xin was a native of Huaiyin. He was poor and had no reputation, so he could not be selected as an official. He often relied on others for food. Initially following Xiang Yu as a Langzhong, Han Xin repeatedly submitted strategies to Xiang Yu, but they were not adopted. Defecting from Chu to Han, Emperor Gaozu did not yet regard him as extraordinary. Han Xin often conversed with Xiao He, who found him remarkable. When they arrived at Nanzheng, more than ten generals had defected. Han Xin realized that after Xiao He had repeatedly recommended him and the emperor still did not employ him, he decided to flee. Upon hearing of Han Xin's escape, Xiao He did not have time to report it but immediately set out in pursuit himself. Someone reported to the emperor: "The prime minister has fled." The emperor became furious, as if he had lost his right and left hands.
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居一二日，何来谒，上且怒且喜。骂何曰：若亡，何也。曰：臣非敢亡，追亡者耳。上曰：所追谁。曰：韩信。上复骂曰：诸将亡者以十数，公无所追，追信，诈也。何曰：诸将易得，至如信，国士无双，王必欲长王汉中，无所事信，必欲争天下，非信无可与计事者。王曰：吾亦欲东耳。何曰：王必东，能用信，信即留，不能用信，信终亡耳。王曰：吾以为将。何曰：虽为将，信不留。王曰：以为大将。何曰：幸甚，必欲拜之，择日斋戒，设坛场，具礼乃可，王许之，诸将皆喜，人人各以为得大将，至拜，乃韩信也。一军皆惊。 |
| | After one or two days, Xiao He came to pay homage; the emperor was both angry and delighted. He scolded Xiao He: "You fled, how could you be?" Xiao He replied: "I did not dare to flee; I was merely pursuing a defector." The emperor asked, "Whom are you pursuing?" He replied: "Han Xin." The emperor scolded again, saying, "Numerous generals have fled, numbering in the dozens. You did not pursue any of them, yet you claim to be pursuing Han Xin—this is a lie." Xiao He said, "Common generals are easy to find. As for Han Xin, he is a national talent without equal. If Your Majesty wishes merely to rule perpetually over Hanzhong, there would be no need for Han Xin. But if you wish to contend for the empire, there is none other with whom you can plan and discuss affairs but Han Xin." The king said: "I also want to move eastward." Xiao He said, "If the king must go east, and if you can employ Han Xin, then he will remain. If you cannot employ him, Han Xin will eventually flee." The king said: "I shall appoint him as a general." Xiao He said, "Even if he is made a general, Han Xin will not stay." The king said: "Then appoint him as the supreme general." Xiao He said, "That is excellent. If you must bestow the title upon him, choose a day for purification and fasting, set up an altar, and prepare all rites before doing so." The king agreed. All the generals were delighted, each thinking that he himself would be appointed as supreme general. When the ceremony took place, however, it was Han Xin who received the appointment. The entire army was astonished.
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信已拜，上坐。王曰：丞相数言将军，将军何以教寡人计策。信因问王曰：今东向争天下，岂非项王耶。曰：然，大王自料勇悍，仁，强，孰与项王。汉王曰：弗如也。信曰：唯信亦以为大王弗如也。然臣尝事项王，请言项王为人也。项王意乌猝嗟，千人皆废，然不能任属贤将，此特匹夫之勇也。项王见人恭谨，言语姁姁，人有疾病，涕泣分食饮，至使人有功当封爵，刻印刓，忍不能与，此所谓妇人之仁也。又背义帝约而以亲爱王，诸侯不平，所过无不残灭，多怨百姓，百姓不附，特劫于威，强服耳，名虽为霸，实失天下心，故曰其强易弱。 |
| | After Han Xin had been appointed, the emperor took his seat. The king said: "The prime minister has spoken highly of you many times, General. What strategies do you have to advise me?" Han Xin then asked the king: "Now that we are moving eastward to contend for the empire, is it not against King Xiang?" The king replied: "Indeed. Your Majesty, in terms of bravery, ferocity, benevolence, and strength, with whom do you compare yourself to King Xiang?" King Han said: "I am not his equal." Han Xin said, "Even I believe Your Majesty is no match for him." "However," Han Xin continued, "I once served King Xiang. Please allow me to speak of his character." King Xiang was impetuous and prone to sudden outbursts; with a single cry from him, thousands would be dismissed. Yet he could not entrust capable generals with responsibilities; this was merely the courage of an ordinary man. King Xiang treated people with respect and humility, spoke gently, and when someone was ill, he would weep and share food and drink. Yet when it came to rewarding those who had rendered service and deserved enfeoffment, he delayed the seals of office until they were worn down by handling, unable to bear parting with them—this is what is called the benevolence of a woman. Furthermore, he violated the agreement with King Yi and enfeoffed his relatives as kings out of personal favor. The feudal lords were dissatisfied; wherever he passed, there was no place left unscathed or not destroyed. He incurred much resentment among the people, who did not support him. They submitted only under coercion and forceful subjugation. Though his title was that of a hegemon, in reality, he had lost the hearts of the people. Therefore, it is said that his strength is easily weakened.
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今大王诚能反其道，任天下武勇，何不诛，以天下城邑封功臣，何不服，以义兵从思东归之士，何不散，且大王之入武关，秋豪无所害，除秦苛法，秦民无不欲得大王，今失职之蜀，民无不恨者，今王举而东，三秦可传檄而定也。于是汉王大喜，自以为得信晚。 |
| | Now, if Your Majesty sincerely follows the opposite path—appointing all the brave and martial men of the world to positions of power, who would dare not be eliminated? Enfeoffing meritorious subjects with cities and fiefs, who would not submit? Leading a righteous army composed of those longing to return eastward, who could remain dispersed? Moreover, when Your Majesty entered Wu Pass, you harmed nothing even as fine as an autumn hair; you abolished the harsh laws of Qin. The people of Qin had no one who did not wish for your rule. Now that King Zi has lost his position in Shu, the people there have none but resentment toward him. If now Your Majesty rises and moves eastward, the Three Qins can be pacified merely by issuing a proclamation. At this, King Han was greatly pleased, regarding himself as having acquired Han Xin too late.
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汉王以信为左丞相，击魏，信问郦生，魏得无用周叔为大将乎。曰：柏直也。信曰：竪子耳，遂进击魏，虏豹，定河东，使人请汉王，愿益兵三万人，臣请以北举燕，赵，东击齐，南绝楚之粮道，西与大王会于荣阳，汉王与兵三万人，进破代，禽夏说，以兵数万，欲东下井陉击赵。 |
| | King Han appointed Han Xin as the Left Chancellor to attack Wei. Han Xin asked Li Sheng, "Does Wei not have Zhou Shu as its supreme general?" He replied: "It is Bai Zhi." Han Xin said, "He is merely a child." He then advanced to attack Wei, captured Bao, pacified Hedong, and sent envoys to request from King Han: "I wish for an additional 30,000 troops. I will lead them northward to subdue Yan and Zhao, eastward to strike Qi, cut off Chu's supply lines to the south, and then meet Your Majesty at Rongyang in the west." King Han granted him 30,000 soldiers. Advancing further, he defeated Dai, captured Xia Yue, and with several tens of thousands of troops, intended to move eastward through Jingxing to attack Zhao.
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赵王，成安君陈馀聚兵井陉口。广武君李左车说成安君曰：闻汉将韩信，涉西河，虏魏王，禽夏说，议欲以下赵，此乘胜而去国远斗，其锋不可当，臣闻千里馈粮，士有饥色，樵苏后爨，师不宿饱，今井陉之道，车不得方轨，骑不得成列，行数百里，其势粮食必在后，愿足下假臣奇兵三万人，从间路绝其辎重，足下深沟高垒勿与战，彼前不得斗，退不得还，不至十日，两将之头，可致麾下，成安君不听，信知其不用，大喜，乃引兵遂下井陉口，斩成安君泜水，禽赵王歇，乃令军毋斩广武君。 |
| | King Zhao You, Cheng'an Jun Chen Yu, gathered his forces at the mouth of Jingxing Pass. Guangwu Jun Li Zuocar advised Cheng'an Jun, saying: "I have heard that the Han general Han Xin crossed the western river, captured King Wei, and took Xia Yue. Now he is planning to subdue Zhao. This is a campaign of pursuing victory far from his homeland; such momentum cannot be resisted. I have also heard that when provisions are transported over a thousand li, soldiers inevitably show signs of hunger. When firewood and fodder must be gathered after the cooking has begun," "the army cannot eat a full meal in one night. Now, the road through Jingxing Pass is so narrow that chariots cannot travel abreast and cavalry cannot form ranks. Marching hundreds of li, their supplies must be far behind. I request Your Honor to grant me 30,000 elite troops to take an alternate route and cut off their supply wagons. You should dig deep trenches and build high fortifications without engaging in battle. If they advance, they cannot fight; if they retreat, they cannot return. Within no more than ten days, the heads of these two generals can be brought under your banner." Cheng'an Jun did not listen to this advice. Han Xin learned that his strategy was rejected and rejoiced greatly. He then led his troops directly down Jingxing Pass, where he defeated Cheng'an Jun at Zhi Shui River and captured King Zhao Xie. He ordered the army not to harm Guangwu Jun.
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顷之，有缚而至麾下者，于是问广武君，仆欲北攻燕，东伐齐，何若有功。广武君辞曰：臣闻之，亡国之大夫，不可以图存，败军之将，不可以语勇，若臣者，何足以权大事乎。信曰：仆闻之，百里奚居虞而虞亡，之秦而秦伯，非愚于虞而智于秦也。用与不用，听与不听耳，使成安君听子计，仆亦禽矣。仆委心归计，愿子勿辞。 |
| | Soon after, someone was brought bound before him. Han Xin then questioned Guangwu Jun: "I wish to attack Yan in the north and strike Qi in the east. What would you advise for success?" Guangwu Jun replied with reluctance: "I have heard it said that a minister of a fallen state cannot plan for survival, and a defeated general cannot speak of bravery. As for me, how can I be qualified to deliberate on great matters?" Han Xin said: "I have heard it said that Bai Li Xi served Yu, and Yu perished; he then went to Qin, where Qin became a hegemon. It was not because he was foolish in Yu but wise in Qin." "It is simply whether one is employed or not, and whether his advice is heeded. If Cheng'an Jun had followed your strategy, I would have been captured as well." "I entrust my heart to you for counsel; I hope you will not refuse."
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广武君曰：臣闻智者千虑，必有一失，愚者千虑，亦有一得。故曰：狂夫之言，圣人择焉。顾恐臣计未足用，愿效愚忠，故成安君有百战百胜之计，一日而失之，军败鄗下，身死泜水上，今足下虏魏王，禽夏说，不旬朝，破赵二十万衆，诛成安君，名闻海内，威震诸侯，衆庶莫不倾耳以待命者，然而衆劳卒疲，其实难用也。今足下举勌敝之兵，顿之燕坚城之下，情见力屈，欲战不拔，旷日持久，粮食单竭，若燕不破，齐必拒境而自强，二国相持，则刘项之权，未有所分也。 |
| | Guangwu Jun said: "I have heard that even the wisest man, after a thousand considerations, will make one mistake; and even the most foolish man, after a thousand thoughts, may gain one insight." "Therefore it is said: 'The words of a madman are selected by sages.'" "I only fear that my strategy may not be worth employing. I wish to offer this humble loyalty, however. Hence, Cheng'an Jun had a plan for a hundred battles and a hundred victories, yet in one day he lost it all; his army was defeated at Gaodi," "his body perished on the banks of Zhi Shui. Now, Your Honor has captured King Wei, taken Xia Yue, and within a few days have crushed Zhao's twenty thousand strong army, executed Cheng'an Jun—your name is known throughout the empire, your might shakes the feudal lords, and the common people all listen eagerly for your commands. Yet now your troops are weary from battle and exhausted; in reality, they are difficult to use." "Now, if you lead these tired and worn-out troops to attack the strong city of Yan, your situation will be exposed and your strength exhausted. If you wish to fight but cannot capture it, a prolonged stalemate will ensue, depleting your food supplies completely. If Yan is not defeated, Qi will surely resist at its borders and strengthen itself. With these two states in deadlock, the balance of power between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu remains undetermined."
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当今之计，不如按甲休兵，飨士大夫，北首燕路，然后发一乘之使，奉咫尺之书以使燕，燕必不敢不听，从燕而东临齐，虽有智者，亦不知为齐计矣。如是，则天下事可图也。兵固有先声后实者，此之谓也。信曰：善，于是发使燕，燕从风而靡，遂度河，袭历下军，破龙且。 |
| | "The best course of action now is to cease hostilities, rest your troops, reward the officers and men, face north toward Yan's territory, then send a single envoy with a short letter to Yan. Yan will surely dare not refuse. Following Yan eastward toward Qi, even if there are wise men, they would be at a loss as to how to advise Qi." If this is done, then the affairs of the empire can still be planned and achieved. Indeed, there are always cases where an army first establishes its reputation before achieving tangible results—this is precisely what is meant by that saying. Han Xin said, "Well spoken." He then sent envoys to Yan, and Yan surrendered like grass bending in the wind. Han Xin thus crossed the river and launched a surprise attack on the forces at Lixia, defeating Long Ju.
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楚已亡龙且，项王恐，使武涉往信。信谢曰：臣得事项王数年，官不过郞中，位不过执戟，言不听，画策不用，故背楚归汉，汉王授我上将军印，数万之衆，解衣衣我，推食食我，言听计用，吾得至于此，人深亲信我，背之不祥，武涉已去，蒯通知天下权在于信，深说以三分天下之计，信不忍背汉，又自以功大，汉不夺我齐，遂不听，项羽死，徙信为楚王，信初之国，陈兵出入，有变吿信欲反，上僞游于云梦，信谒于陈，高祖令武士缚信，载后车。信曰：果若人言，狡兔死，良狗烹。上曰：人告公反，遂械信，至雒阳，赦以为淮阴侯，信知汉王畏恶其能，称疾不朝。 |
| | After Chu lost Long Ju, King Xiang became fearful and sent Wu She to Han Xin. Han Xin replied, "I served King Xiang for several years, yet my rank did not exceed that of Langzhong and my position was no higher than a spear-bearer. My words were not heeded, and my strategies went unused; thus I defected from Chu to Han. The king granted me the seal of supreme general, tens of thousands of soldiers, gave me his clothes when I had none, shared food with me when I lacked it, listened to my advice and employed my plans—thus I have reached this position. People deeply trust and rely on me; to betray them would be ill-omened." After Wu She left, Kuai Tong realized that the balance of power in the empire rested upon Han Xin, and he earnestly urged him with a plan for dividing the empire into three parts. Han Xin could not bear to betray Han, yet also believed his own merits were great enough that Han would not strip him of Qi. Thus, he did not listen. After Xiang Yu died, Han Xin was transferred and made King of Chu. When Han Xin first went to his fiefdom, he stationed troops at all entrances and exits. Rumors spread that there would be a rebellion, so Emperor Gaozu pretended to tour Yunmeng. Han Xin paid homage in Chen, whereupon the emperor ordered warriors to seize him and place him on a cart behind his own carriage. Han Xin said: "Indeed as people say—when the cunning rabbit is dead, the good hound is boiled." The emperor said, "People have accused you of rebellion," and thus Han Xin was shackled. Upon arriving at Luoyang, he was pardoned and made the Marquis of Huaiyin. Knowing that Emperor Gaozu feared and resented his abilities, Han Xin pretended illness and did not attend court.
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黥布，六人也。汉封为淮南王，十一年，高后诛韩信，布心恐忧，复诛彭越，盛其醢，以遍赐诸侯王，布见醢大恐，遂聚兵反，书闻，上召诸将问，布反，为之奈何。皆曰：发兵坑竪子耳，何能为，汝阴侯滕公，以问其客薛公。薛公曰：是固当反。滕公曰：上裂地而封之，疏爵而贵之，南面而立，万乘之主，其反何也。薛公曰：前年杀彭越，往年杀韩信，三人皆同功一体之人也。自疑祸及身，故反耳。 |
| | Qing Bu was a native of Liu. Han enfeoffed him as King of Huainan. In the eleventh year, Empress Dowager Lu executed Han Xin. Qing Bu was deeply fearful and anxious. Soon after, Peng Yue was also executed; his minced flesh was distributed to all the feudal kings. Upon seeing this meat paste, Qing Bu became greatly terrified and thus gathered troops to rebel. When news of the rebellion reached him, Emperor Gaozu summoned his generals and asked: "Qing Bu has rebelled—what should we do about it?" They all said, "Send troops to dig up this brat—what can he possibly achieve?" Marquis of Ruyin Teng Gong consulted his guest Xue Gong about it. Xue Gong said, "He was bound to rebel." Teng Gong asked: "The emperor divided the land and enfeoffed him, bestowed noble titles and honored him," "he was seated facing south as a sovereign of ten thousand chariots—why would he rebel?" Xue Gong replied: "Last year Peng Yue was executed, the previous year Han Xin. These three were all men of equal merit and status." "Feeling that disaster would soon befall himself, he rebelled."
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楚元王交，高祖少弟也。玄孙向，字子政，本名更生，为谏大夫，向见光禄勋周堪，光禄大夫张猛二人给事中，大见信，弘恭，石显惮之，数谮毁焉。向上封事曰：臣前幸得以骨肉备九卿，奉法不谨，乃复蒙恩，窃见灾异并起，天地失常，徵表为国，欲终不言，念忠臣虽在畎亩，犹不忘君，况重以骨肉之亲，又加以旧恩乎。 |
| | Yuanwang Jiao of Chu was the younger brother of Emperor Gaozu. Xuansun Xiang, courtesy name Zizheng, originally named Gengsheng, served as a Censor. Xiang saw that Zhou Kan, the Guanglu Xun, and Zhang Meng, the Guanglu Daifu, both held positions in the Office of the Attendants-in-Ordinary; they were greatly trusted by the emperor. Hong Gong and Shi Xian feared them and repeatedly slandered and defamed them. Xiang submitted a sealed memorial to the emperor, saying: "Previously, I was fortunate enough to serve as one of the Nine Ministers by virtue of my kinship. Though I failed in upholding the law with due diligence, I have once again received Your Majesty's grace. Privately, I observe that calamities and anomalies are occurring simultaneously; heaven and earth are out of balance. These signs indicate problems for the state. If I remain silent, I would be neglecting my duty. A loyal minister, even if in obscurity among the fields, still remembers his sovereign. How much more so when he is related by blood to the throne and has received past favors?"
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臣闻舜命九官，济济相让，和之至也。衆贤和于朝，则万物和于野，故四海之内，靡不和宁，及至周文开基西郊，杂遝衆贤，罔不肃和，崇推让之风，以销分争之讼，武王，周公继政，朝臣和于内，万国欢于外，故尽得其欢心，以事其先祖，下至幽，厉之际，朝廷不和，转相非怨，君子独守正勉强，以从王事，则反见憎毒谗诉。故其诗曰：密勿从事，不敢吿劳，无罪无辜，谗口嗸嗸，当是之时，天变见于上，地变动于下，水泉沸腾，山谷易处。 |
| | I have heard that Emperor Shun appointed the Nine Officials. They were courteous and deferential to one another; this was the utmost harmony. When many virtuous men harmonize in court, all things will be in harmony in the countryside. Thus within the four seas, nothing is not peaceful and tranquil. When King Wen of Zhou established his foundation at the western suburbs, he gathered a multitude of worthy men; none failed to maintain decorum and harmony. He promoted a culture of courtesy and yielding, thus eliminating disputes over divisions and conflicts. King Wu and Duke of Zhou succeeded in governance: when court ministers were harmonious within, all nations rejoiced without. Thus they fully won the hearts of their people, who served their ancestors with joy. Down to the time of Kings You and Li, however, harmony in court was lost; officials turned against one another, filled with resentment. Virtuous men alone upheld righteousness and endured hardships to serve the king, yet were instead hated, slandered, and accused. Therefore, the poem says: "Diligently attend to your duties; dare not complain of fatigue. Though innocent and guiltless, slanderous tongues cry out ceaselessly." At that time, heavenly omens appeared above, while disturbances occurred below on earth—water springs boiled over, valleys changed places with mountains.
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由此观之，和气致祥，乖气致异，祥多者其国安，异衆者其国危，天地之常经，古今之通义也。今升下开三代之业，招文学之士，优游宽容，使得并进，今贤不肖浑淆，白黑不分，邪正杂糅，忠谗并进，朝臣更相谗诉，转相是非，文书纷纠，毁誉浑乱，所以荧惑耳目，感移心意者，不可胜载，分曹为党，将同心以陷，正臣进者，治之表也。正臣陷者，乱之机也。乘治乱之机，未知孰任，而灾异数见，此臣所以寒心者也。 |
| | From this we see that harmony brings auspicious signs, while discord causes anomalies. A state with many auspicious omens is at peace; a state plagued by numerous anomalies faces danger. This is the constant principle of heaven and earth, the universal truth from ancient to modern times. Now, Your Majesty has revived the legacy of the Three Dynasties and summoned scholars of literature. You have shown tolerance and leniency, allowing them to advance together. Yet now, worthy and unworthy men are mixed; black and white cannot be distinguished. The upright and the corrupt are intertwined; loyal ministers and sycophants rise side by side. Court officials constantly accuse one another, turning against each other in accusations of right or wrong. Documents become entangled in confusion, praise and defamation muddled together—these things dazzle the eyes and ears, clouding judgment and shifting minds beyond count. Divided into factions, they will unite to bring about downfall. The advancement of upright ministers is the sign of good governance. The downfall of upright ministers is the beginning of chaos. Seizing upon the opportunity between order and disorder, it remains unknown who will be entrusted with responsibility; yet calamities and anomalies appear repeatedly. This is why I am chilled to my core.
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夫乘权席势之人，子弟鳞集于朝，羽翼阴附者衆，毁誉将必用，以终乖离之咎，是以日月无光，雪霜夏陨，陵谷易处，列星失行，皆怨气之所致也。夫遵衰周之轨迹，循诗人之所刺，而欲以成太平，致雅颂，犹却行而求及前人也。初元以来六年矣。按春秋六年之中，灾异未有稠如今。 |
| | Those who hold power and influence have their sons and relatives gathered in court like scales of a fish, with many forming secret alliances as wings. Praise or defamation will inevitably be used to ultimately cause discord and blame. Hence the sun and moon lose their light; snow and frost fall in summer; hills become valleys and vice versa; stars stray from their courses—these are all caused by resentment and ill will. To follow the declining path of the Zhou dynasty, to emulate what poets have criticized, and yet hope thereby to achieve peace and prosperity or bring forth the elegant odes is like walking backward in an attempt to catch up with those who came before. It has been six years since the beginning of the Chuyuan era. According to the Spring and Autumn Annals, in any six-year span, there have never been as many calamities and anomalies as now.
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用贤人而行善政，如或谮之，则贤人退而善政还，夫执狐疑之心者，来谗贼之口，持不断之意者，开羣枉之门，谗邪进者，衆贤退，羣枉盛者，正士销，故易有否泰，小人道长，则君子道销，君子道销，则政日乱，故为否，否者，闭而乱也。君子道长，则小人道销，小人道销，则政日治，故为泰，泰者，通而治也。 |
| | To employ virtuous men and implement good governance, yet if someone slanders them, then the virtuous will retreat and good policies will be reversed. One who harbors doubts invites slanderous tongues; one who wavers in decision opens the door to widespread injustice. When sycophants and villains rise, upright men withdraw; when injustice prevails, righteous scholars are driven away. Hence, the Book of Changes speaks of Pi (Obstruction) and Tai (Prosperity). When the path of small men grows strong, that of the virtuous declines. As virtue declines, governance becomes increasingly chaotic—this is called Pi, which means closure and disorder. When the path of virtuous men grows strong, that of small men declines. When the way of villains fades, governance becomes increasingly orderly—this is called Tai, which means openness and order.
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昔者，鲧，共工，欢兜与舜，禹杂处尧朝，周公与管，蔡并居周位，当是时，迭进相毁，流言相谤，岂可胜道哉。帝尧，成王，能贤舜，禹，周公而销共工，管，蔡，故以大治，孔子与季，孟偕仕于鲁，李斯与叔孙俱宦于秦，定公，始皇贤季，孟，李斯而销孔子，叔孙，故以大乱，故治乱荣辱之端，在所信任，所信任既贤，在于坚固而不移，诗云，我心匪石，不可转也。言守善笃也。 |
| | In the past, Gun, Gonggong, Huandou, and Shun, Yu coexisted in Yao's court; Duke of Zhou and Guan, Cai held positions together under King Zhou. At that time, they took turns advancing accusations against one another, spreading rumors and slandering each other—how could such things be fully recounted? Emperor Yao and King Cheng were able to honor Shun, Yu, and the Duke of Zhou while eliminating Gonggong, Guan, and Cai; thus they achieved great order. Confucius served alongside Ji and Meng in Lu, while Li Si held office with Shusun in Qin. King Ding of Lu and Emperor Shi Huang favored Ji, Meng, and Li Si but rejected Confucius and Shusun—thus causing great disorder. Therefore, the beginning of order or chaos, honor or disgrace lies in whom one trusts. If those trusted are virtuous, it depends on steadfastness without wavering. As the Book of Songs says: "My heart is not a stone—it cannot be turned." This means to firmly uphold goodness.
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易曰：涣汗其大号，言号令如汗，汗出而不反者也。今出号令，未能逾时而反，是反汗也。用贤未能三旬而退，是转石也。论语曰：见不善如探汤，今二府奏，佞谄不当在位，历年而不去也。出令则如反汗，用贤则如转石，去佞则如拔山，而望阴阳之调，不亦难乎。 |
| | The Book of Changes says: "Huan Han, its great proclamation"—this means that edicts should be like sweat; once they are issued, they cannot be retracted. Now, when issuing proclamations, we often reverse them before the time has passed—this is like retracting sweat. To appoint a virtuous man and yet remove him within thirty days is like turning a stone. The Analects says: "Seeing evil, treat it as one would hot soup." Now the two offices have submitted reports stating that flatterers and sycophants are unfit to hold office, yet they remain in power for years without being removed. To issue decrees like retracting sweat, to employ virtuous men like turning a stone, and to remove villains like uprooting a mountain—yet still hope for harmony between yin and yang—is it not difficult?
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是以羣小窥见间隙，巧言丑诋，流言飞文，哗于民间，故诗云，忧心悄悄，愠于羣小，小人成羣，诚足愠也。昔孔子与顔渊，子贡，更相称誉，不为朋党，禹，稷与皋陶，传相汲引，不为比周，何则，忠于为国，无邪心也。故贤人在上位，则引其类而聚之朝，在下位，则思与其类俱进，故汤用伊尹，不仁者远，而衆贤至，类相致也。今佞邪与贤臣，并在交戟之内，合党共谋，违善依恶，数设危险之言，欲以倾移主上，如忽然用之，此天地之所以先戒，灾异之所以重至者也。 |
| | Therefore, these groups of villains seize upon the opportunity, using cunning words and foul accusations to spread rumors and false writings that stir up unrest among the people. Hence the Book of Songs says: "My heart is filled with quiet sorrow, angered by the crowd of small men." When villains gather in numbers, it truly causes anger. In the past, Confucius praised Yan Hui and Zigong in turn; this was not forming a faction. Yu, Ji, and Gao Tao supported each other's careers; this was not conspiring for personal gain. Why? Because they were loyal to serving the state with no ulterior motives. Therefore, when virtuous men hold high office, they attract others of their kind to gather in court; if placed in low positions, they still yearn for advancement alongside those like themselves. Thus King Tang employed Yi Yin—unvirtuous men were driven away and many worthy individuals arrived, as similar people naturally drew one another. Now, villains and virtuous ministers coexist within the same court, forming factions to conspire together. They reject goodness and follow evil, repeatedly uttering dangerous words in an attempt to sway the emperor. If such men are suddenly employed, this is why heaven and earth issue warnings first, and why calamities and anomalies occur so frequently.
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自古明圣，未有无诛而治者也。故舜有四放之罚，而孔子有两观之诛，然后圣化可得而行也。今以陛下明智，诚深思天地之心迹，察两观之诛，览否泰之卦，历周，唐之所进以为法原秦，鲁之所销以为戒，考祥应之福，省灾异之祸，以揆当世之变，放远佞邪之党，坏散险诐之聚，杜闭羣枉之门，广开衆正之路，决断狐疑，分别犹豫，使是非炳然可知，则百异销灭，而衆祥并至，太平之基，万世之利也。 |
| | Since ancient times, no wise or sage ruler has ever achieved order without punishment. Therefore, Shun had the punishment of four exiles, and Confucius carried out executions at Liangguan—only then could the teachings of sages be implemented. Now, with Your Majesty's wisdom and insight, if you truly ponder the will of heaven and earth, examine the executions at Liangguan, study the hexagrams Pi and Tai, take as examples the promotions in Zhou and Tang dynasties , learn from the dismissals in Qin and Lu as warnings, consider the blessings of auspicious omens, reflect on the calamities caused by anomalies, and thus assess the changes of our time—banishing distant factions of villains, breaking up gatherings of dangerous and crooked men, closing the doors to widespread injustice, widely opening paths for upright people, making decisive judgments without hesitation or doubt, clearly distinguishing right from wrong—then all anomalies will vanish and many auspicious signs will arrive. This would lay the foundation for peace and prosperity, a benefit lasting through countless generations.
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向又见成帝营起昌陵，数年不成，制度泰奢。上疏谏曰：臣闻易曰：安不忘危，存不忘亡，是以身安而国家可保也。故贤圣之君，博观终始，必通三统，天命所授者博，非独一姓也。孔子论诗至于殷士肤敏，灌将于京。喟然叹曰：大哉天命，善不可不传于子孙，是以富贵无常，不如是，则王公其何以戒慎，民萌其何以劝勉，盖伤微子之事周，而痛殷之亡也。虽有尧舜之圣，不能化丹朱之子，虽有禹汤之德，不能移末孙之桀纣，自古及今，未有不亡之国也。故常战栗不敢讳亡，孔子所谓富贵无常，盖谓此也。 |
| | Xiang also observed that Emperor Cheng was constructing Changling Tomb, which had taken many years to complete and involved excessively extravagant designs. He submitted a memorial advising, saying: "I have heard the Book of Changes say: 'In times of peace, do not forget danger; in times of survival, do not forget destruction.' This is how one ensures personal safety and preserves the state." Therefore, wise and sage rulers broadly observe beginnings and endings, necessarily understanding the Three Systems. Heaven's mandate is bestowed broadly; it does not belong to a single family alone. Confucius, in discussing the Book of Songs, came upon the line: "The noble men of Yin were wise and capable, guarding the capital city." He sighed and said: "How great is Heaven's mandate! Goodness must not fail to be passed on to descendants. Therefore, wealth and rank are not constant. If it were otherwise, how could kings and dukes remain cautious and vigilant? How could the common people be encouraged and motivated?" This was an expression of sorrow over Weizi serving the Zhou dynasty and grief at the fall of Yin. Even with the sagehood of Yao and Shun, they could not transform Danzhu's son; even with the virtue of Yu and Tang, they could not reform the last descendants into Jie or Zhou. From ancient times until now, there has never been a state that did not eventually fall. Therefore, one must always tremble with fear and dare not conceal the possibility of downfall—this is what Confucius meant by "wealth and rank are not constant."
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孝文皇帝居霸陵。顾曰：以北山石为椁，岂可动哉。张释之进曰：使其中有可欲，虽锢南山，犹有隙，使其中无可欲，虽无石椁，又何戚乎。孝文寤焉。遂为薄葬。易曰：古之葬者，厚衣之以薪，藏之中野，不封不树，后世圣人，易之以棺椁，黄帝葬于桥山，尧葬济阴，丘壠皆小，葬具甚微，舜葬苍梧，二妃不从，禹葬会稽，不改其列，殷汤无葬处，文武，周公葬于毕，秦穆公葬于雍，樗里子葬于武库，皆无丘壠之处，此圣帝明王，贤君智士，远览独虑，无穷之计也。其贤臣孝子，亦承命顺意而薄葬之，此诚奉安君父，忠孝之至也。 |
| | Emperor Xiaowen resided at Baling. He looked back and said: "Using the stone of Beishan Mountain as a coffin, how could it possibly be moved?" Zhang Shizhi advanced and said: "If there is anything within that could be desired, even if the tomb were sealed to Mount Nanshan, there would still be a way in. But if nothing within is desirable, then even without a stone coffin, what cause for concern is there?" Emperor Xiaowen was enlightened by this. He thus proceeded with a simple burial. The Book of Changes says: "In ancient times, the dead were wrapped in firewood and , buried in the wilderness without mounds or trees. Later sage rulers changed this practice by using coffins and outer casings. Huangdi was buried at Qiaoshan, Yao at Jiyin, where their burial mounds were small and funeral goods minimal. Shun was buried at Cangwu, but his two consorts did not accompany him. Yu was buried at Kuaiji without altering the arrangement of officials, trees, or other objects. Yin Tang had no known burial site. Wenwang and Wuwang were buried at Bi, and Duke Zhou was also buried there. King Mu of Qin was buried in Yong, Chuli Zi was buried near the Wuku Arsenal—none of these sites have visible mounds or hills. These were wise emperors, enlightened kings, virtuous rulers, and intelligent men who looked far ahead with unique foresight, making plans for eternity. Their virtuous ministers and filial sons also followed these commands, carrying out simple burials in accordance with their wishes. This was indeed the highest expression of loyalty and filial piety—ensuring the safety and peace of their ruler and father.
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故仲尼孝子，而延陵慈父，舜禹忠臣，周公悌弟，其葬君亲骨肉，皆微薄矣。非苟为俭，诚便于体也。宋桓司马为石椁。仲尼曰：不如速朽，逮至吴王阖闾，违礼厚葬，十有馀年，越人发之，及秦惠，文，武，昭，严襄五王，皆大作丘壠，多其瘗藏，咸尽发掘暴露，甚足悲也。秦始皇帝葬于骊山之阿，下锢三泉，上崇山坟，棺椁之丽，宫馆之盛，不可胜原，又多杀宫人，生埋工匠，计以万数，天下苦其役而叛之，骊山之作未成，而周章百万之师，至其下矣。数年之间，外被项籍之灾，内离牧竪之祸，岂不哀哉。是故德弥厚者葬弥薄，智愈深者葬愈微，无德寡智者葬愈厚，丘壠弥高，宫庙甚丽，发掘必速，由是观之，明暗之效，葬之吉凶，昭然可见矣。陛下即位，躬亲节俭，始营初陵，其制约小，天下莫不称明，及徙昌陵，增埤为高，积土为山，发民坟墓，积以万数，营起邑居，期日迫卒，功费大万百馀，死者恨于下，生者愁于上，怨气感动阴阳，因之以饥馑，物故流离，以十万数，臣甚惽焉。以死者为有知，发人之墓，其害多矣。若其无知，又安用大，谋之贤智则不悦，以示衆庶则苦之，若苟以悦愚夫淫侈之人，又何为哉。 |
| | Therefore, Zhongni was a filial son and Yaling a kind father; Shun and Yu were loyal ministers, and the Duke of Zhou a respectful younger brother. In burying their rulers, parents, or close relatives, they all practiced modest and simple burials. This was not merely an act of frugality, but truly what was most convenient for the deceased's spirit. Simahou of Song Huan made a stone coffin. Confucius said: "It is better for the coffin to decay quickly." When Wu Wang Helu violated ritual by being buried with great extravagance, more than ten years later, Yue people dug up his tomb. Likewise, during the reigns of King Hui, Wen, Wu, Zhao, and Yanxiang of Qin, large mounds were built and many burial goods placed underground; all these tombs were eventually excavated and exposed to the elements—truly a cause for sorrow. Qin Shi Huangdi was buried in the hills of Lishan. The tomb was sealed deep underground, with three layers of water blocked below and a grand earthen mound built above. The beauty of his coffin and outer casing, as well as the magnificence of the palace halls within, were beyond description. Moreover, many concubines were killed and craftsmen buried alive in large numbers—tens of thousands in total. The people suffered greatly from this labor and rebelled against it. Before construction at Lishan was completed, Zhou Zhang's army of a hundred thousand had already arrived beneath the tomb. Within just several years, externally it suffered disaster at the hands of Xiang Ji, and internally fell victim to calamity by a shepherd boy—how tragic indeed! Therefore, the more virtuous one is, the simpler their burial; the wiser one becomes, the less conspicuous their interment. Those lacking virtue and wisdom are buried with greater extravagance—taller mounds, grander temples, and more beautiful halls—but their tombs are inevitably robbed quickly. From this we can clearly see that the effectiveness of virtue or ignorance, as well as whether a burial brings fortune or misfortune, is evident to all. When Your Majesty ascended the throne, you personally practiced frugality. When first planning your tomb, its design was modest in scale, and all under heaven praised this wisdom. However, when relocating to Changling Tomb, embankments were raised higher and earth piled into hills; thousands of commoners' graves were disturbed for construction. Villages and dwellings were built around the site, with work progressing hastily and at a cost exceeding one hundred million. The dead below feel resentment, and the living above suffer sorrow. This anger stirs both yin and yang forces, leading to famine and disaster; countless people die or are displaced by the tens of thousands. I am deeply troubled by this. If we assume that the dead possess knowledge, then disturbing human graves causes great harm. If the dead are truly unaware, then why build such grand tombs? The wise and virtuous would be displeased by it; showing this to common people only burdens them. If one merely seeks to please foolish and extravagant men, what purpose does that serve?
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陛下慈仁笃美甚厚，聪明疏达盖世，而顾与暴秦乱君，竞为奢侈，比方丘壠，悦愚夫之目，隆一时之观，违贤智之心，忘万世之安，臣窃为陛下羞之，唯陛下上览明圣黄帝，尧，舜，禹，汤，文，武，周公，仲尼之制，下观贤智穆公，延陵，樗里，张释之之意，孝文皇帝去坟薄葬，以俭安神，可以为则，秦昭，始皇增山厚葬，以侈生害，足以为戒，初陵之摹，宜从公卿大臣之议，以息衆庶，书奏，上甚感向言，而不能从其计。 |
| | Your Majesty is most compassionate, kind, and wise, possessing extraordinary insight. Yet you now compete with the tyrannical rulers of Qin in extravagance, vying to build grander mounds for the sake of pleasing foolish men's eyes and creating a momentary spectacle, going against the hearts of the virtuous and wise while forgetting eternal peace. I secretly feel ashamed on your behalf. May Your Majesty look upward at the examples set by the enlightened emperors Huangdi, Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, Wenwang, Wuwang, the Duke of Zhou, and Confucius; downward at the intentions of wise men such as King Mu of Qin, Yaling, Chuli Zi, and Zhang Shizhi. Emperor Xiaowen abandoned mounds for a simple burial, using frugality to ensure peace for the spirit—this may serve as an example. In contrast, King Zhao of Qin and Qin Shi Huang increased hills with lavish burials, bringing disaster through extravagance; these are sufficient warnings. The design of your initial tomb should follow the advice of ministers and high officials in order to ease the burdens on common people. When this memorial was submitted, the emperor was deeply moved by its words but could not adopt its plan.
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向见上无继嗣，政由王氏。遂上封事极谏曰：臣闻人君莫不欲安，然而危，莫不欲存，然而亡，失御臣之术也。夫大臣操权柄，持国政，未有不为害者也。昔晋有六卿，齐有田，崔，衞有孙，宁，鲁有季，孟，常掌国事，世执朝柄，后田氏取齐，六卿分晋，崔杼杀其君光，孙林父，宁殖出其君衎，弑其君剽，季氏卒逐昭公，皆阴盛而阳微，下失臣道之所致也。 |
| | Xiang observed that the emperor had no heir and that power lay in the hands of the Wang family. He then submitted a sealed memorial strongly advising, saying: "I have heard that no ruler desires danger but ends up in peril, and none wishes for destruction yet meets it—this is due to the failure of proper methods for governing ministers." Ministers who hold power and control state affairs have never failed to cause harm. In the past, Jin had Six Ministers of State Qi had the Tians and Cuis; Wei had the Suns and Nings; Lu had the Jis and Mings. These families controlled state affairs for generations, holding court power in their hands. Later, the Tian family seized Qi, the Six Ministers divided Jin, Cui Zhu killed his ruler Guang, Sun Linfu and Ning Zhi expelled King Kan and assassinated King Piao, while the Ji family eventually drove out Duke Zhao of Lu. All these were caused by excessive private power overshadowing public authority, as ministers lost their proper conduct toward rulers.
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故书曰：臣之有作威作福，害于而家，凶于而国。孔子曰：禄去公室，政逮大夫，危亡之兆也。秦昭王舅穰侯及泾阳，叶阳君专国擅势，假大后之威，三人者，权重于昭王，家富于秦国，国甚危殆，赖寤范睢之言，而秦复存，二世委任赵高，赵高专权自恣，壅蔽大臣，终有阎乐望夷之祸，秦遂以亡，近事不远，即汉所代也。 |
| | Therefore, the Book of Documents says: "When a minister wields power to create authority and bestow blessings, it harms your family and brings disaster to your state." Confucius said: "When official rank departs from the royal house and power falls into the hands of ministers, this is an omen of danger and downfall." King Zhao of Qin's maternal uncle Yanghou, as well as Jingyang and Yeyang Jun They monopolized state power and authority, using the empress dowager's influence. These three men held more power than King Zhao himself; their wealth surpassed that of the entire Qin kingdom. The country was in grave danger until he awoke to Fan Jiu's advice, allowing Qin to survive. In the Second Emperor's reign, Zhao Gao was entrusted with authority and seized control for his own benefit, blocking out ministers from court affairs. Eventually, this led to the disaster at Yaneli, and Qin perished as a result. These recent events are not far removed; they were what Han overthrew.
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汉兴，诸吕无道，擅相尊王，吕産，吕禄席大后之宠，据将相之位，欲危刘氏，赖忠正大臣绛侯，朱虚等，竭诚尽节，以诛灭之，然后刘氏复安，今王氏一姓，乘朱轮华毂者二十三人，青紫貂蝉，充盈幄内，鱼鳞左右，大将军秉事用权，五侯骄奢僭盛，并作威福，击断自恣，行污而寄治，身私而托公，依东宫之尊，假甥舅之亲，以为威重，尚书九卿，州牧郡守，皆出其门，管执枢机，朋党比周。 |
| | When Han rose to power, the Lus acted without virtue, usurping titles and crowns. Lu Chan and Lu Lu relied on their aunt's favor, occupying positions of general and chancellor, seeking to endanger the Liu family. Fortunately, loyal ministers such as Marquis Jianghou and Zhuxu devoted themselves wholeheartedly, exterminating them so that the Liu house could once again find peace. Now, a single Wang family has twenty-three members riding in ornate carriages with red wheels and gilded hubs; officials dressed in purple and blue robes adorned with sable and cicada ornaments fill the imperial court like fish scales on either side. The Grand General holds power and acts arbitrarily, while Five Marquises indulge in arrogance and excess, creating authority and blessings at will. They behave corruptly yet claim to govern justly, act selfishly but present themselves as public-spirited. Relying on their status near the imperial palace and their aunt-nephew relationship for prestige, they dominate positions such as Secretaries of State, Nine Ministers, provincial governors, and prefects—all emerging from their door. They control key mechanisms in government, forming cliques and alliances.
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称誉者登进，忤恨者诛伤，游谈者助之说，执政者为之言，排摈宗室，孤弱公族，其有智能者，尤非毁而不进，远绝宗室之任，不令得给事朝省，恐其与己分权，数称燕王盖主以疑上心，避讳吕，霍而弗肯称，内有管，蔡之萌，外假周公之论，兄弟据重，宗族磐牙，历上古至秦汉，外戚贵未有如王氏者也。虽周皇甫，秦穰侯，汉武安，吕，霍，上官之属，皆不及也。 |
| | Those who praise them are promoted, while those who oppose or anger them suffer punishment. Talkers and flatterers support their cause, and officials in power speak on their behalf. They exclude members of the royal family and weaken the imperial clan. Those with talent and intelligence are especially criticized and not advanced; they keep the royal lineage far from court service, fearing that they might share authority. They frequently cite Princess Yanwang Gaimu to sow doubts in the emperor's mind, avoid mentioning Lu or Huo families while refusing to acknowledge them, and internally harbor plots like Guan and Cai of old, yet outwardly pretend to follow Zhou Gong's example. Siblings hold key positions; their clan spreads out like interlocking roots. From ancient times through Qin and Han dynasties, no imperial relatives have ever reached such heights as the Wang family now does. Even figures like Huangfu of Zhou, Yanghou of Qin, Wu'an of Han, the Lu, Huo, and Shangguan families are all far surpassed by them.
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物盛必有非常之变先见，为其人徵象，孝昭帝时，冠石立于泰山，仆柳起于上林，而孝宣帝即位，今王氏先祖坟墓在济南者，其梓柱生枝叶，扶疏上出屋，根垂地中，虽立石起柳，无以过此明也。事势不两大，王氏与刘氏，亦且不并立，如下有泰山之安，则上有累卵之危，陛下为人子孙，守持宗庙，而令国祚移于外亲，降为皂隶，纵不为身，奈宗庙何，妇人内夫家，而外父母家，此亦非皇太后之福也。孝宣皇帝不与舅平昌，乐昌侯权，所以全安之也。 |
| | When things grow too powerful, extraordinary changes inevitably appear beforehand as omens for those involved. During the reign of Emperor Xiaozhuang, a "guanshi" stone stood upright on Mount Tai Willows sprang up in Shanglin Park, and Emperor Xuan ascended the throne. Now, at the ancestral tombs of the Wang family in Jinan, the cypress pillars have grown branches and leaves that spread upward over the roof, with roots hanging into the earth. Even the upright stone and rising willow are no match for this clear omen. A situation cannot have two great powers coexisting; the Wang and Liu families cannot stand side by side. If below there is the stability of Mount Tai, above there will be the danger of eggs stacked on top of one another. As Your Majesty's descendants, you are entrusted with safeguarding the ancestral temple, yet now you allow the imperial line to transfer into the hands of a relative family, reducing it to servitude. Even if this does not harm yourself, what becomes of the ancestral temple? A woman supports her husband's family while also aiding her parents' side—this is not in the interest of the Empress Dowager either. Emperor Xuan did not grant power to his maternal uncles, Pingchang and Lechang Hou, precisely in order to preserve their safety.
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夫明者，起福于无形，销患于未然，宜发明诏，吐德音，援近宗室，亲而纳信，黜远外戚，无授以政，以则效先帝之所行，厚安外戚，全其宗族，诚东宫之意，外家之福也。王氏永存，保其爵禄，刘氏长安，不失社稷，所以裦睦外内之姓，子子孙孙，无疆之计也。如不行此策，田氏复见于今，六卿必起于汉，为后嗣忧，昭昭甚明，不可不深图，不可不早虑也。唯陛下深留圣思，览往事之戒，居万安之实，用保宗庙，久承皇太后，天下幸甚。 |
| | The wise foresee blessings before they appear and eliminate dangers before they arise. Your Majesty should issue a clear decree, express virtuous words, support close members of the royal family by drawing them near and gaining their trust, while demoting distant relatives from court positions and not entrusting them with governance. By following the example set by previous emperors—strengthening the security of imperial kin and preserving their clan—you would truly fulfill the wishes of the palace and bring fortune to your extended family. The Wang family will remain forever, preserving their titles and wealth; the Liu family will enjoy lasting peace without losing its state. This is how harmony between internal and external families can be achieved—a plan for boundless generations of sons and grandsons to come. If this strategy is not implemented, the Tians will rise again in our time; the Six Ministers of State will inevitably emerge from Han, bringing future generations great sorrow. This danger is clear and evident—it cannot be ignored or postponed any longer. May Your Majesty deeply ponder this with wisdom, learn from past warnings, and take firm action to ensure lasting peace. By doing so, you will protect the ancestral temple for generations, honor the Empress Dowager for a long time, and bring great fortune to all under heaven.
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书奏，天子召见向，叹息，悲伤其意。谓曰：君且休矣。吾将思之，向每召见，数言公族者，国之枝叶，枝叶落，则本根无所庇荫，方今同姓疏远，母党专政，禄去公室，权在外家，非所以强汉宗，卑私门，保守社稷，安固后嗣也。向自见得信于上，故常显讼宗室，讥刺王氏及在位大臣，其言多痛切，发于至诚，终不能用，向卒后十三岁而王氏代汉。 |
| | After the memorial was submitted, the Son of Heaven summoned Xiang for an audience, sighing deeply and grieving over his words. He said: "You may rest now." Whenever I summon you, you repeatedly speak of the imperial clan: they are like branches and leaves to the state. When these fall away, the roots have no shelter or protection. At present, members of the same surname are distant while maternal relatives monopolize power; official rank has left the royal house, and authority lies in the hands of an outside family. This is not how we strengthen the Han lineage, humble private interests, preserve the state, or ensure stability for future generations. Xiang, having gained the emperor's trust, often openly advocated for the imperial family and criticized the Wang clan as well as current ministers. His words were heartfelt and deeply moving, yet ultimately went unheeded. Thirteen years after Xiang's death, the Wang family replaced Han.
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季布，楚人也。项籍使将兵，数窘汉王，项籍灭，高祖购求布千金，敢舍匿，罪三族，布匿濮阳周氏，周氏乃髠钳布，衣褐，置广柳车中，之鲁朱家卖之，朱家心知其季布也。买置田舍乃之雒阳，见汝阴侯滕公。说曰：季布何罪，臣各为其主用，职耳，项氏臣岂可尽诛耶，今上始得天下，而以私怨求一人，何示不广也。且以季布之贤，汉求之急如此，此不北走胡，南走越耳，夫忌壮士以资敌国，此伍子胥所以鞭荆平王之墓也。君何不从容为上言之，滕公心知朱家大侠，意布匿其所，乃许诺，侍闲，果言如朱家旨，上乃赦布。 |
| | Ji Bu was a native of Chu. Xiang Ji appointed him as a general, and he repeatedly put Emperor Gaozu in dire straits. After Xiang Ji's defeat, Emperor Gaozu offered a reward of one thousand gold pieces for Ji Bu's capture, declaring that anyone who harbored or concealed him would be punished by the extermination of three generations. Ji Bu took refuge with Zhou Shi in Puyang, and so Zhou Shi shaved his head, bound it tightly, dressed him in coarse clothes, and placed him inside a Guangliu cart He was then sold by Zhou Shi to Zhu Jia in Lu, but Zhu Jia knew that the man was actually Ji Bu. Zhu Jia bought him and placed him in a farmstead , then sent him to Luoyang to meet Duke Ruyin, Teng Gong. He said: "What crime has Ji Bu committed? Each of us serves his own ruler—this is merely our duty. Can all ministers who served the Xiang family be executed without exception? Now that His Majesty has just gained control over the world, yet he pursues a single man out of personal resentment; how does this display breadth and magnanimity?" Moreover, considering Ji Bu's virtue, the Han court is seeking him so urgently. If he does not flee north to the Hu or south to the Yue, where else can he go? To resent a valiant man and thus provide strength to an enemy state—this was precisely why Wu Zixu later whipped the tomb of King Jing of Chu. "Why don't you calmly speak to His Majesty on his behalf?" Duke Teng knew that Zhu Jia was a great 侠 (a chivalrous man), and suspected that Ji Bu had hidden there. He thus agreed, and when an opportunity arose during court service, he indeed spoke as Zhu Jia suggested. The emperor then pardoned Ji Bu.
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布为河东守，孝文时，人有言其贤，召欲以为御史大夫，人又言其勇，使酒难近，至留邸一月，见罢。布进曰：臣待罪河东，陛下无故召臣，此人必有以臣欺陛下者，今臣至，无所受事罢去，此人必有毁臣者，夫以一人誉召臣，一人毁去臣，恐天下有识闻之，有以窥陛下，上默然惭曰：河东吾股肱郡，故特召君耳。 |
| | Ji Bu served as governor of Hedong. During the reign of Emperor Xiaowen, someone praised his virtue and recommended him for the position of Grand Censor-in-Chief. However, another person claimed that Ji Bu was brave but hot-tempered and difficult to approach. As a result, after staying at the guesthouse in the capital for one month, he was dismissed without appointment. Ji Bu said: "I have served in Hedong under the burden of my duties. For no reason, Your Majesty summoned me—this must mean someone has deceived you about me. Now that I am here and receive no assignment before being dismissed, this indicates another person has slandered me. To summon a man based on one recommendation and then dismiss him due to one accusation—fearful is the thought of those with insight hearing of this and discerning Your Majesty's true character." The emperor fell silent, feeling ashamed and said: "Hedong is a vital region to me, hence I specially summoned you."
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栾布，梁人也。为梁大夫，使于齐未还，汉召彭越，责以谋反，夷三族，枭首雒阳下，诏有收视者辄捕之，布还，奏事彭越头下，祠而哭之，吏捕以闻。上召駡曰：若与彭越反耶，吾禁人勿收，若独祠哭之，与反明矣。趣烹之，方提趋汤。顾曰：愿壹言而死。上曰：何言。布曰：方上之困彭城，败荥阳，成皋，项王所以不能遂西，徒以彭王居梁地，与汉合从苦楚也。当是之时，彭王壹顾与楚，则汉破，且垓下之会，微彭王，项氏不亡，天下已定，彭王割符受封，亦欲传之万世，今汉壹徵兵于梁，彭王病不行，而疑以为反，反形未见，以苛细诛之，臣恐功臣人人自危也。今彭王已死，臣生不如死，请就烹，上乃释布，拜为都尉。 |
| | Luan Bu was a native of Liang. He served as a minister of Liang and was sent on a mission to Qi, but before he returned, Han summoned Peng Yue and accused him of plotting rebellion. Peng Yue's entire clan was exterminated, his head displayed publicly in Luoyang, and an imperial decree ordered that anyone who dared to collect or look at the head be immediately captured. When Luan Bu returned, he went to where Peng Yue's head lay, paid homage by offering sacrifices and weeping over it. Officials arrested him and reported this to the court. The emperor summoned and scolded him, saying: "Did you conspire with Peng Yue in rebellion? I forbade people from collecting or looking at his head, yet you alone paid homage and wept over it—this clearly shows your involvement in the rebellion." He ordered him to be boiled immediately. Just as they were about to lower Luan Bu into the cauldron, he turned and said: "I wish to speak one word before I die." The emperor asked, "What is it you have to say?" Bu said: "When Your Majesty was in dire straits at Pengcheng, defeated at Xingyang and Chenggao, King Xiang could not advance westward because Lord Peng held the Liang region and allied with Han to harass Chu." At that time, if Lord Peng had turned to support Chu even once, Han would have been destroyed. Moreover, at the Battle of Gaixia, without Lord Peng's assistance, King Xiang would not have perished and the empire might never have fallen into Your Majesty's hands. Now that peace has settled over all under heaven, Lord Peng was granted a fief with his seal, hoping to pass it down for generations. Yet when Han requested troops from Liang, he could not go due to illness, and you suspected him of rebellion. No clear evidence of treachery existed, yet you executed him on trivial grounds. I fear that this will make all meritorious ministers feel constantly in danger. "Now that Lord Peng is dead, I would rather die than live." Please allow me to be boiled alive. The emperor was moved and released Luan Bu, appointing him as a Commandant of the Guards.
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萧何，沛人也。汉杀项羽，即皇帝位，论功行封，羣臣争功，岁馀不决，上以何功最盛，先封为酇侯，食邑八千户。功臣皆曰：臣等身被坚执兵，多者百馀战，少者数十合，攻城略地，大小各有差，今萧何未有汗马之劳，徒持文墨议论不战，居臣等上，何也。上曰：诸君知猎乎。曰：知之，知猎狗乎。曰：知之。上曰：夫猎，追杀兽者，狗也。而发纵指示兽处者，人也。诸君徒能走得兽耳，功狗也。至如萧何，发纵指示，功人也。且诸君独以身从我，多者两三人，萧何举宗数十人皆随我，功不可忘也。羣臣后皆莫敢言。 |
| | Xiao He was a native of Pei. After Han killed Xiang Yu and ascended the imperial throne, he awarded meritorious titles according to contributions. The ministers vied for credit, and after more than a year their disputes remained unresolved. The emperor considered Xiao He's contribution the greatest and first enfeoffed him as Marquis of Zan, granting him an estate with eight thousand households. The meritorious ministers all said: "We personally donned armor and wielded weapons, fighting in over a hundred battles at most and dozens of engagements at least. We captured cities and seized territory, each with varying degrees of achievement. Now Xiao He has no sweat-and-blood military service; he merely discusses matters from behind his desk without ever taking part in battle. Yet he ranks above us—why is this?" The emperor said: "Do you all know about hunting?" They replied, "We do." He asked, "Do you know about the hounds used in hunting?" They said: "Yes, we do." The emperor said: "In hunting, it is the dogs that chase and kill the game. Yet those who release the hounds and point out where the prey lies are people." "You can only chase after the game yourselves—this is the work of dogs. "As for Xiao He, he releases and directs the hounds—he is a man who deserves credit." "Moreover, each of you followed me with only two or three people at most. Xiao He brought dozens from his entire clan to follow me—his contribution cannot be forgotten." After this, none of the ministers dared speak further.
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列侯毕已受封，奏位次。皆曰：平阳侯曹参，身被七十创，攻城略地，功最多，宜第一，关内侯鄂千秋，时为谒者。进曰：羣臣议皆误，夫曹参虽有野战略地之功，此特一时之事，夫上与楚相拒五岁，失军亡衆，跳身遯者数矣。然萧何常从关中遣军补其处，非上所诏令召，而数万衆会上乏绝者数矣。夫汉与楚相守荥阳数年，军无见粮，萧何转漕关中，给食不乏，陛下虽数亡山东，萧何常全关中待陛下，此万世功也。今虽无曹参等百数，何缺于汉，汉得之，不必待以全，奈何欲以一旦之功，而加万世之功哉。萧何当第一，曹参次之。上曰：善，于是乃令何第一，赐剑履上殿，入朝不趋，是日悉封何父母兄弟十馀人，皆食邑。 |
| | All marquises had already received their enfeoffments and submitted for ranking in order. They all said: "Pingyang Hou Cao Can personally bore seventy wounds, captured cities and seized territory with the most contributions—he should be ranked first." Guannei Hou E Qianqiu, who was then a yezhe (attendant official), advanced and said: "All the ministers' discussions are mistaken. Although Cao Can has achieved military successes in capturing territory, these were merely temporary accomplishments. When His Majesty resisted Chu for five years, he suffered losses of troops and many times fled for his life." "However, Xiao He consistently dispatched reinforcements from Guanzhong to replenish these shortages. On multiple occasions when His Majesty's forces were in dire straits and without supplies, it was Xiao He who gathered tens of thousands of troops on his own initiative, not by imperial decree." "When Han and Chu were locked in a prolonged standoff at Xingyang for years, the army had no visible supplies. Xiao He transported grain from Guanzhong, ensuring that food was never lacking. Even when Your Majesty repeatedly lost control of Shandong, Xiao He always preserved Guanzhong to await your return—this is an achievement for all generations." "Now, even if there were hundreds of Cao Cans, their absence would not be a loss to Han. Han can survive without them; they are not essential for completeness. How then could one wish to place the achievements of a single day above those that benefit all generations?" Xiao He should be ranked first, and Cao Can second. The emperor said, "Well spoken." He then ordered Xiao He to be ranked first and granted him the privilege of carrying a sword and wearing shoes in court, as well as permission to enter the palace without hurrying. On that day, he enfeoffed over ten of Xiao He's parents and siblings with estates.
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何为民请曰：长安地狭，上林中多空地，弃，愿令民得入田，毋收稾为兽食。上大怒曰：相国多受贾人财物，为请吾苑，乃下何廷尉，械系之，数日，王衞尉侍。前问曰：相国胡大罪，陛下系之暴也。上曰：吾闻李斯相秦，有善归主，有恶自予，今相国多受贾竪金，为请吾苑，以自媚于民，故系治之。王衞尉曰：夫职事苟有便于民而请之，真宰相事也。陛下奈何乃疑相国受贾人钱乎。且陛下距楚数岁，陈豨，黥布反时，陛下自将往，当是时，相国守关中，摇足，即关西非陛[，相国不以此时为利，乃利贾人之金乎。且秦以不闻其过亡天下，夫李斯之分过，又何足法哉。陛下何疑宰相之浅也。是日，使使持节赦出何，何年老，素恭谨，徒跣入谢。上曰：相国休矣。相国为民请吾苑不许，我不过为桀纣主，而相国为贤相，吾故系相国，欲令百姓闻吾过也。 |
| | Xiao He petitioned on behalf of the people, saying: "The land in Chang'an is narrow. There are many vacant plots within Shanglin 苑 that lie abandoned. I request permission for the people to cultivate them, without collecting the straw as food for wild animals." The emperor became greatly enraged and said: "The Prime Minister has accepted many gifts from merchants in exchange for requesting my hunting grounds." He then ordered Xiao He taken to the Grand Court of Justice, where he was shackled and imprisoned. After several days, Wang Weiwei served as an attendant. He asked beforehand: "What great crime has the Prime Minister committed? It is unjust for Your Majesty to imprison him so harshly." The emperor said: "I have heard that Li Si, when he served as prime minister of Qin, attributed all good deeds to the ruler and took upon himself any blame. Now this Prime Minister has accepted much gold from petty merchants and petitioned for my hunting grounds in order to ingratiate himself with the people; therefore I have had him imprisoned and punished." Wang Weiwei said: "If an official's duties involve requesting something that benefits the people, this is indeed a true prime minister's responsibility." How can Your Majesty doubt that the Prime Minister has accepted money from merchants? Moreover, when Your Majesty resisted Chu for several years and when Chen Xi and Ling Bu rebelled, you personally led the army to confront them. At that time, the Prime Minister was defending Guanzhong. Had he wavered even slightly, the western side of the pass would no longer have been yours. Yet the Prime Minister did not take advantage of this critical moment for personal gain—how then could he be interested in the gold of petty merchants? Moreover, Qin lost its empire precisely because it did not hear of its faults. As for Li Si's practice of taking blame upon himself, how could that possibly be a model to follow? How shallow is Your Majesty's doubt in the prime minister! On that day, an imperial envoy was sent with a token of authority to release Xiao He. Xiao He, who was old and had always been respectful and cautious, entered the court barefoot in gratitude. The emperor said: "Prime Minister, you may rest now." "The Prime Minister petitioned on behalf of the people for my hunting grounds, but I did not permit it. If I were merely a tyrant like Jie or Zhou, and he an upright prime minister, that is why I imprisoned him—to let the common people hear of my faults."
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曹参，沛人也。为齐丞相，参闻胶西有盖公，善治黄老言，使人厚币请之，既见，盖公为言治道，贵清静而民自定，推此类具言，参于是避正堂舍盖公焉。其治要用黄老术，齐国安集，大称贤相，萧何薨，使者召参，参去。属其后相曰：以齐狱市为寄，慎勿扰也。后相曰：治无大于此者乎。参曰：不然，夫狱市者，所以并容也。今君扰之，奸人安所容乎。吾是以先之。 |
| | Cao Can was a native of Pei. He served as chancellor of Qi. Cao Can heard that Gai Gong, a man from Jiaoxi, was skilled in the doctrines of Huang-Lao (the Yellow Emperor and Laozi), so he sent generous gifts to invite him. After meeting, Gai Gong explained governance by emphasizing tranquility and non-interference, saying that if officials remained quiet and unobtrusive, the people would naturally find peace. He elaborated on this principle in detail. Cao Can then moved out of his main hall to give it to Gai Gong as a residence. He governed by applying the methods of Huang-Lao thought, and under his rule Qi State became peaceful and orderly. He was widely praised as an outstanding chancellor. After Xiao He died, envoys were sent to summon Cao Can, who then left for Chang'an. He entrusted his successor as chancellor and said: "Treat the prisons and markets of Qi with care; be cautious not to disturb them." The succeeding chancellor said, "Is there any governance more important than this?" Cao Can replied: "Not quite. Prisons and markets are where people of all kinds gather." "If you now disturb them, where will the dishonest or lawless find a place to exist?" This is why I placed such importance on it.
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始参微时，与萧何善，及为宰相，有隙，至何且死，所推贤唯参，参代何为相国，举事无所变更，壹遵何之约束，择郡国吏长大，讷于文辞，谨厚长者，即召除为丞相史，史言文刻深欲务声名，辄斥去之，日夜饮酒，卿大夫以下吏及宾客，见参不事事，来者皆欲有言，至者参辄饮以醇酒，度之欲有言，复饮酒，醉而后去，终莫得开说。 |
| | At first, when Cao Can was obscure and lowly, he had been on good terms with Xiao He. Later, after becoming a chancellor, they developed some discord. Yet as Xiao He neared death, the only person he recommended for virtue was Cao Can. When Cao Can succeeded Xiao He as prime minister, he made no changes to policies or regulations and strictly adhered to all of Xiao He's established rules. In selecting officials from the commanderies and states, he chose those who were , quiet in speech, and cautious and upright elders. If such a person was summoned for appointment as an imperial chancellor's clerk, but if they spoke with excessive formality or sought reputation through severity, Cao Can would immediately dismiss them. Day and night, he drank alcohol. Officials at the rank of qingdafa (minister) and below, along with his attendants and guests, saw that Cao Can did nothing— Those who came to see him all wished to speak with him, but whenever they arrived, Cao Can immediately served them strong wine. If he sensed that someone intended to say something, he would give them more alcohol until they were drunk and then let them leave. In the end, no one ever managed to their mind or make a point.
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相舍后园近吏舍，日饮歌呼，从吏患之，无如何，乃请参游后园，闻吏醉歌呼，从吏幸相国召按之，乃反取酒张坐饮，大歌呼与相和，参见人之有细过，专掩匿覆盖之，府中无事，参子窋，为中大夫，惠帝怪相国不治事，以为岂少朕与。乃谓窋曰：汝归。试私从容问乃父曰：高帝新弃羣臣，帝富于春秋，君为相国，日饮无所请事，何以忧天下，然无言吾吿汝也。窋既洗沐，归谏参，参怒而笞之二百。曰：趣入侍，天下事，非乃所当言也。 |
| | Cao Can's son, Cao Zhu, served as Zhongdafa (a mid-ranking official). Emperor Hui was puzzled that the prime minister did nothing in governance and wondered if it might be because of his youth. He then said to Cao Zhu: "You should return home." "Try to casually ask your father: 'The late Emperor Gaozu has just left us, and the emperor is still young. As prime minister, you drink every day without attending to any matters of state—how can this be? How will you worry about the affairs of the world?' But do not tell him I sent you." After Cao Zhu had bathed and returned home, he advised his father. Cao Can became angry and beat him with a stick two hundred times. He said: "Hurry back to your post! Matters of state are not for you to discuss."
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至朝时，帝让参。参免冠谢曰：陛下自察圣武，孰与高皇帝。上曰：朕乃安敢望先帝。参曰：陛下观参，孰与萧何贤。上曰：君似不及也。参曰：陛下之言是也。且高皇帝与萧何定天下，法令既明具，陛下垂拱，参等守职，遵而勿失，不亦可乎。惠帝曰：善，君休矣。百姓歌之曰：萧何为法，讲若画一，曹参代之，守而勿失，载其清静，民以宁壹。 |
| | When the time came for court, the emperor reprimanded Cao Can. łożył Cao Can removed his hat and apologized, saying: "Your Majesty, please judge—whose wisdom and martial prowess compares to that of Emperor Gaozu?" The emperor said: "How dare I even compare myself to the late emperor?" Cao Can asked: "Your Majesty, in your view, who is more virtuous—me or Xiao He?" The emperor said: "You seem somewhat less capable." Cao Can said: "Your Majesty's words are correct." "Emperor Gaozu and Xiao He established the empire, and their laws and decrees are already clear and complete. Now Your Majesty merely needs to sit in state with hands folded, while I and others uphold our duties by following these rules without deviation—would that not be sufficient?" Emperor Hui said: "Well spoken. You may rest now." The common people sang about it, saying: "Xiao He established laws, clear and uniform," "Cao Can succeeded him, preserving without deviation. He upheld tranquility and clarity; the people thus found peace and unity."
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张良字子房，韩人也。沛公欲以二万人击秦嶢关下军。良曰：秦兵尚强，未可轻，臣闻，其将屠者子贾竪，易动以利，愿沛公令郦食其持重宝啖秦将，秦将果欲连和俱西。良曰：此独其将欲叛，士卒恐不从，不如因其解击之，沛公乃引兵击秦军，大破之，遂至咸阳，秦王子婴降沛公，沛公入，秦宫室帷帐狗马重宝妇女以千数，意欲留居之，樊哙谏，沛公不听。良曰：夫秦为无道，故沛公得至此，为天下除残去贼，宜缟素为资，今始入秦，即安其乐，此所谓助桀为虐，且忠言逆于耳利于行，毒药苦于口利于病，愿沛公听樊哙言，沛公乃还军霸上。 |
| | Zhang Liang, courtesy name Zifang, was a native of Han. Peigong wanted to deploy 20,000 men to attack the Qin forces stationed below Xiaoguan Pass. Zhang Liang said: "The Qin forces are still strong and should not be underestimated. I have heard that their general is the son of a butcher, a petty merchant—easily tempted by profit. I request that Peigong send Liu Shi Ji to offer valuable treasures as bribes to the Qin generals. The Qin generals indeed desired an alliance and agreed to march west together." Zhang Liang said: "This is only the generals who wish to defect; their soldiers may not follow. It would be better to take advantage of their momentary relaxation and attack them." Peigong then led his troops against the Qin army, defeating them decisively. They advanced all the way to Xianyang, where Crown Prince Ziying of Qin surrendered to Peigong. Upon entering the city, Peigong saw that there were thousands of palace chambers filled with curtains, dogs, horses, treasures, and concubines. He intended to remain in residence there. Fan Kuai advised against it, but Peigong did not listen. Zhang Liang said: "The Qin dynasty was tyrannical, which is why Peigong has reached this point. To rid the world of cruelty and evildoers, we should adopt a plain and modest manner as our foundation. Now that we have just entered Qin and already wish to enjoy its luxuries, this is what is called aiding Jie in his tyranny." "Moreover, loyal advice may sound harsh to the ear but is beneficial for action; bitter medicine tastes unpleasant but cures illness. I hope Peigong will listen to Fan Kuai's words." Peigong then withdrew his army back to Bashang.
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陈平，户牖人也。背楚，因魏无知见汉王，汉王拜为都尉典护军。绛灌等或谗平曰：闻平居家时，盗其嫂，事魏王不容，亡而归楚，不中，又亡归汉，今大王尊官之，令护军，臣闻，平使诸将金多者得善处，金少者得恶处，平反覆乱臣也。愿王察之，汉王疑之，以让无知。问曰：有之乎。无知曰：有。汉王曰：公言其贤人，何也。对曰：臣之所言者能也。升下所问者行也。今有尾生，孝己之行，而无益于胜败之数，升下何暇用之乎。今楚汉相拒，臣进奇谋之士。 |
| | Chen Ping was a native of Huyou. He defected from Chu and, through Wei Wuzhi, met King Han. King Han appointed him as Duwei (a military rank) in charge of overseeing the imperial guards. Jiang Guan and others slandered Chen Ping, saying: "I have heard that when he lived at home, Ping stole from his sister-in-law. When serving King Wei, he was not tolerated and fled to return to Chu, but failed in that as well. He then defected again to Han. Now Your Majesty has given him a high office and appointed him to oversee the imperial guards. I have heard that Ping gives generous rewards to generals who give him more gold and assigns poor positions to those who offer less. Ping is an untrustworthy, treacherous minister." "We request that Your Majesty investigate this matter carefully." King Han doubted Chen Ping and brought the accusation to Wei Wuzhi. He asked: "Is there truth in this?" Wei Wuzhi replied: "Yes." King Han said: "You spoke of him as a virtuous man—why is that?" He replied: "What I referred to was his ability." "The question Your Majesty asked concerns his character." "Now there is Weisheng, who possesses the virtue of Xiaoji," "but who has no impact on the outcome of victory or defeat—how could Your Majesty possibly have time to use such a person?" "Now that Chu and Han are locked in opposition, I recommend men with ingenious strategies."
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王召平而问曰：吾闻先生事魏不遂，事楚而去，今又从吾游，信者固多心乎。平曰：臣事魏王，魏王不能用臣说，故去事项王，项王不信人，其所任爱，非诸项，即妻之昆弟，虽有奇士，不能用，臣居楚，闻汉王之能用人，故归大王，臣裸身来，不受金，无以为资，诚臣计画有可采者，愿大王用之，使无可用者，大王所赐金具在，请封输官，得请骸骨，汉王乃谢，厚赐，拜以为护军中尉，尽护诸将，诸将乃不敢复言。 |
| | The king summoned Chen Ping and asked: "I have heard that you served Wei but did not succeed, then left Chu after serving there. Now you follow me again—must a loyal man necessarily be fickle-hearted?" Chen Ping replied: "I served King Wei, but he did not accept my advice, so I left to serve Xiang Wang. However, Xiang Wang does not trust people; the only ones he appoints and favors are either members of his own clan or his wife's brothers. Even if there were outstanding strategists, they would be ignored. While in Chu, I heard that King Han is capable of employing talent, so I returned to serve Your Majesty. When I came here alone without resources, I accepted gold only out of necessity for support. If my strategies are found useful by Your Majesty, please use them; if not, the gold you have bestowed on me remains in full, and I will return it to the court and request permission to retire from office." King Han then apologized, gave him generous rewards, and appointed him as Zhongwei (commander) of the imperial guards, entrusting him with overseeing all generals. After this, none of the generals dared speak against him again.
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周勃，沛人也。为人木强敦厚，高帝以为可属大事，惠帝以勃为太尉，高后崩，吕禄以赵王为汉上将军，吕産以吕王为相国，秉权，欲危刘氏，勃与丞相平，朱虚侯章，共诛诸吕，遂共迎立代王，是为孝文皇帝，初即位，以勃为右丞相，后乃免丞相就国，人有上书告勃欲反，下廷尉，廷尉逮捕勃治之，勃恐，不知置辞，吏稍侵辱之，勃以千金与狱吏，乃书牍背示之，以公主为证，公主者，文帝女也。勃太子胜之尚之，故狱吏教引为证，薄太后亦以为无反事，文帝朝。太后曰：绛侯绾皇帝玺，将兵于北军，不以此时反，今居一小县，顾欲反耶。文帝乃谢曰：吏方验而出之，于是使使持节赦勃，复爵邑，勃既出。曰：吾尝将百万军，然安知狱吏之贵也。 |
| | Chou Bo was a native of Pei. (Note: "Chou" is an alternate romanization for 周; standard Pinyin would be Zhou.) Zhou Bo was a native of Pei, and he was known for being blunt, strong-willed, and sincere. Emperor Gaozu considered him trustworthy enough to entrust with important matters. Emperor Hui appointed Zhou Bo as Taiwei (Grand Commandant). After Empress Dowager Lü's death, Lu Lu served as Shangjiangjun (Supreme General) of Han under the title of Zhao Wang, while Lu Chan held the position of Houguo (Minister of State) with the title of Lu Wang and wielded power. They plotted to endanger the Liu family. Zhou Bo, together with Chancellor Chen Ping and Zhu Xu Hou Zhang, conspired to eliminate all the Lü clan members. Afterward, they jointly invited and installed Dai Wang as emperor, who became Emperor Wen. At the beginning of his reign, Emperor Wen appointed Zhou Bo as You Chengxiang (Right Chancellor). Later, he was dismissed from office and returned to his fiefdom. Someone submitted a petition accusing Zhou Bo of plotting rebellion, so he was taken into custody by the Grand Court of Justice. The court officials arrested him for investigation. Zhou Bo feared for his life and did not know how to defend himself. As the guards gradually insulted and humiliated him, Zhou Bo gave them 1,000 gold pieces in exchange for leniency. He then had a note written on the back of a wooden tablet as proof, citing the princess as evidence. The princess was Emperor Wen's daughter. Zhou Bo's son-in-law, Shengzhi, was married to the princess, so the prison officials instructed him to serve as a witness. Empress Dowager Bao also believed that Zhou Bo had no intention of rebellion and thus petitioned Emperor Wen on his behalf. Empress Dowager said: "Jiang Hou held the imperial seal and commanded troops at Beijun. If he had wanted to rebel, there was no better time than then. Now that he is merely in a small county, how could he possibly want to rebel?" Emperor Wen then apologized and said: "The officials are just verifying the facts before releasing him." He immediately sent an envoy with a token of authority to pardon Zhou Bo, restoring his title and fief. After Zhou Bo was released from prison, he said: "I once commanded an army of a million men, yet how could I have known that prison officials held such power?"
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勃子亚夫，文帝封为条侯，后六年，匈奴大入边，以宗正刘礼为将军，军霸上，祝兹侯徐厉为将军，军棘门，以亚夫为将军，军细柳，以备胡，上自劳军，至霸上及棘门军，直驰入，将以下骑送迎，已而之细柳军，军士吏被甲，鋭兵刃，彀弓弩，持满，天子先驱至，不得入。先驱曰：天子且至军门。都尉曰：将军令曰：军中闻将军之令，不闻天子之诏，有顷上至，又不得入。于是上使使持节诏将军曰：吾欲劳军，亚夫乃传言开壁门。壁门士请车骑曰：将军约，军中不得驱驰，于是乃按辔徐行至中营。将军亚夫持兵揖曰：介胄之士不拜，请以军礼见，天子为动，改容式车，使人称谢，成礼而去，既出军门，羣臣皆惊。文帝曰：嗟乎。此真将军矣。向者霸上棘门军，如儿戏耳，其将固可袭而虏也。亚夫可得而犯耶，称善者久之。 |
| | Zhou Bo's son, Yafu, was enfeoffed by Emperor Wen as Tiou Hou. Six years later, the Xiongnu launched a large-scale invasion of Han territory. The emperor appointed Zongzheng Liu Li as general and stationed his army at Bashang; Zhuzi Hou Xu Li was also made general with troops at Jimen. Yafu was appointed general to command forces at Xiuli, guarding against the Xiongnu. Emperor Wen personally visited the armies to inspect them. When he arrived at the Bashang and Jimen camps, he rode directly into their encampments without hindrance; officers and soldiers on horseback came out to meet and escort him. Later, when he reached Yafu's camp at Xiuli, however, the soldiers were fully armed in armor, with sharp weapons drawn, bows and crossbows loaded and ready. When the emperor's advance guards arrived, they were not allowed entry. The vanguard said: "His Majesty is about to arrive at the gate of the military camp." The Duwei said: "General's order states: 'Within the camp, we obey only the general's commands and not imperial decrees.'" After a while, when Emperor Wen arrived in person, he was also denied entry. The emperor then sent an envoy with a token to summon the general and said: "I wish to inspect the army." Yafu then ordered the gates of the camp opened. The guards at the gate requested that the chariots and horses slow down, saying: "General has decreed that within the camp there must be no galloping." The emperor then reined in his horse and proceeded slowly to the central command. General Yafu held his weapon in one hand and bowed with the other, saying: "A soldier clad in armor cannot kneel; I shall greet Your Majesty according to military rites." The emperor was deeply moved and changed his expression, lowering himself in the carriage as a sign of respect. He sent someone to express gratitude before leaving after completing the ceremony. After exiting the camp gate, all the ministers were astonished. Emperor Wen said: "Alas!" "This is indeed a true general." "The camps at Bashang and Jimen before this were like children's games; their generals could certainly be ambushed and captured." "Could Yafu be so easily attacked? Praise him for a long time."
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樊哙，沛人也。与高祖俱起，高帝尝病，恶见人卧禁中，诏户者，毋得入羣臣，绛灌等莫敢入，十馀日，哙乃排闼直入，大臣随之，上独枕一宦者卧。哙等见上流涕曰：始陛下与臣等起丰沛，定天下，何其壮也。今天下已定，又何惫也。且陛下病甚，大臣震恐，不见臣等计事，顾独与一宦者绝乎。且陛下独不见赵高之事乎。高帝笑而起。 |
| | Fan Kuai was a native of Pei. He was the younger brother of Fan Zeng, and his courtesy name was Wenhui. He rose to power alongside Emperor Gaozu. Once, when the emperor fell ill and disliked seeing people in his private quarters, he ordered the gatekeepers not to allow any ministers inside. Jiang Guan and others dared not enter for over ten days. Fan Kuai then pushed through the gates and entered directly, followed by other officials. The emperor was found lying alone on a pillow with only one eunuch beside him. Fan Kuai and others wept before the emperor, saying: "At first, Your Majesty rose with us from Fengpei to establish the empire—how mighty you were then!" "Now that the empire is at peace, how weak and exhausted you have become." "Moreover, Your Majesty's illness is severe. The ministers are greatly alarmed but cannot see you to discuss affairs of state—how could you be alone with just one eunuch?" "Besides, does Your Majesty not remember the events involving Zhao Gao?" Emperor Gaozu laughed and got up.
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周昌，沛人也。为御史大夫，为人强力，敢直言，自萧，曹等，皆卑下之，昌尝燕入奏事，高帝方拥戚姬，昌还走，高帝逐得，骑昌项。问曰：我何如主。昌仰曰：陛下即桀，纣之主也。于是上笑之，然尤惮昌，及高帝欲废太子，大臣固争，莫能得，而昌庭争之强，上问其说，昌为人吃，又盛怒。曰：臣口不能言，然臣心知其不可，陛下欲废太子，臣期期不奉诏，上欣然而笑，太子遂定。 |
| | Zhou Chang was a native of Pei. His courtesy name was Yushan. He served as Yushi Daifu (Grand Censor). He was a strong-willed and courageous man who did not hesitate to speak his mind. Even Xiao He, Cao Can, and others treated him with deference. Zhou Chang once entered the palace during an imperial banquet to present reports on official matters. At that time, Emperor Gaozu was embracing Qi Ji. Zhou Chang turned and fled, but the emperor caught up with him and sat on his back. He asked: "What kind of ruler am I?" Zhou Chang looked up and said: "Your Majesty is indeed a tyrant like Jie and Zhou." The emperor laughed at this, but still greatly feared Zhou Chang. When Emperor Gaozu wanted to depose the crown prince, ministers strongly opposed it without success. Zhou Chang, however, fiercely argued against it in court. The emperor asked for his reasoning, and although Zhou Chang was a stammerer, he spoke with intense anger. He said: "I cannot speak clearly, but my heart knows this is wrong. If Your Majesty wishes to depose the crown prince, I... I will not obey your decree." The emperor smiled with pleasure and the matter of the heir was thus settled.
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申屠嘉，梁人也。为丞相，是时太中大夫邓通方爱幸，赏赐累巨万，文帝常燕饮通家，其宠如是，是时嘉入朝，而通居上旁，有怠慢之礼，嘉奏事毕。因言曰：陛下幸爱羣臣，则富贵之，至于朝廷之礼，不可以不肃。上曰：君勿言，吾私之，罢朝坐府中，为檄召通，通恐入言上。上曰：汝第往，吾今使人召若，通至丞相府，免冠，徒跣，顿首谢。嘉责曰：夫朝廷者，高皇帝之朝廷也。通小臣，戏殿上，大不敬，当斩，通顿首，首尽出血，不解，上使使持节召通。而谢丞相曰：此吾弄臣，君释之，通既至。为上泣曰：丞相几杀臣。 |
| | Shentu Jia was a native of Liang. He served as prime minister. At that time, Tai Zhongdafa Deng Tong was especially favored and beloved by the emperor; he received continuous rewards amounting to tens of thousands in value. Emperor Wen often attended banquets at Deng Tong's home, showing him such favor. When Shentu Jia entered court at this time, Deng Tong occupied a seat near the emperor with an air of disrespect. After completing his report on official matters, Shentu Jia... he said: "If Your Majesty favors and loves your ministers, you may bestow wealth and honor upon them. But as for the rites of court, they cannot be neglected." The emperor said: "You need not speak further. I have my private reasons for favoring him." After the court session ended, Shentu Jia remained in his office and issued a summons to call Deng Tong there. Fearing this, Deng Tong entered the palace to plead with the emperor. The emperor said: "Go ahead, I will now send someone to summon you." Deng Tong went to the prime minister's office, removed his hat, knelt barefoot, and kowtowed in apology. Shentu Jia rebuked him: "The court is the court of Emperor Gaozu." "A lowly official like you dared to act disrespectfully on the imperial dais, which is a grave offense of impiety and should be punished by death." Deng Tong kowtowed repeatedly until his head bled, but Shentu Jia did not relent. The emperor then sent an envoy with a token of authority to summon Deng Tong. The envoy conveyed the emperor's message: "This is my favorite entertainer; you may release him." After Deng Tong arrived, he wept before the emperor and said: "The prime minister nearly had me executed."
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