| | 第五鍾離... : |
第五倫字伯魚，京兆長陵人也。其先齊諸田，諸田徙園陵者多，故以次第為氏。 |
| | Di Wu was courtesy name Boyu, a native of Changling, Jingzhao. His ancestors were the various Tian clans of Qi; many of these Tians moved to Yuanling, so they took their family name according to their order in line.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
倫少介然有義行。王莽末，盜賊起，宗族閭里爭往附之。倫乃依險固築營壁，有賊，輒奮厲其眾，引彊持滿以拒之，銅馬、赤眉之屬前後數十輩，皆不能下。倫始以營長詣郡尹鮮于褒，褒見而異之，署為吏。後褒坐事左轉高唐令，臨去，握倫臂訣曰：「恨相知晚。」 |
| | Di Wu was upright and virtuous from a young age. At the end of Wang Mang's reign, bandits arose, and his clan members as well as neighbors all rushed to join them. Di Wu then relied on a perilous and secure location to build a camp wall. Whenever bandits appeared, he would encourage his people, draw the strong bow fully taut to resist them; groups such as Tongma and Chimei, numbering dozens in succession, were all unable to overcome him. Di Wu first came as a camp leader to the commandery official Xianyu Bao; upon seeing him, Bao was impressed and appointed him an official. Later, when Xianyu Bao was demoted to the position of Gaotang commandery official due to an offense, before leaving, he clasped Di Wu's arm and said in farewell: "I regret knowing you too late."
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
倫後為鄉嗇夫，平傜賦，理怨結，得人歡心。自以為久宦不達，遂將家屬客河東，變名姓，自稱王伯齊，載鹽往來太原、上黨，所過輒為糞除而去，陌上號為道士，親友故人莫知其處。 |
| | Di Wu later served as a xiang sufu, fairly levied taxes and corvée labor, resolved grievances and disputes, and thus won the people's favor. Thinking that he had long served in office without achieving success, Di Wu took his family and went to Hedong as a guest, changed his name and surname, called himself Wang Boqi, transported salt back and forth between Taiyuan and Shangdang, and wherever he passed, he would clean up the filth before leaving. On the roads, people referred to him as a Daoist priest; relatives, friends, and old acquaintances did not know where he was.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
數年，鮮于褒薦之於京兆尹閻興，興即召倫為主簿。時長安鑄錢多姦巧，乃署倫為督鑄錢掾，領長安巿。倫平銓衡，正斗斛，巿無阿枉，百姓悅服。每讀詔書，常歎息曰：「此聖主也，一見決矣。」等輩笑之曰：「爾說將尚不下，安能動萬乘乎？」倫曰：「未遇知己，道不同故耳。」 |
| | After several years, Xianyu Bao recommended him to Jingzhao You Yanxing; upon receiving the recommendation, Yanxing immediately summoned Di Wu and appointed him as zhubu. At that time, there were many forgeries in the coin casting at Chang'an; thus he was appointed as a supervisor of coin casting and put in charge of the market in Chang'an. Di Wu standardized weights and measures, corrected the bushels and buckets; there was no injustice or bias in the market, and the common people were pleased and convinced. Whenever he read imperial edicts, he often sighed and said: "This is a sage ruler; I must have an audience with him once." His peers laughed at him, saying: "Even generals cannot be moved by your words, how could you possibly influence a ruler of ten thousand chariots?" Di Wu said: "I have not yet met someone who understands me; it is simply because our values differ."
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
建武二十七年，舉孝廉，補淮陽國醫工長，隨王之國。光武召見，甚異之。二十九年，從王朝京師，隨官屬得會見，帝問以政事，倫因此酬對政道，帝大悅。明日，復特召入，與語至夕。帝戲謂倫曰：「聞卿為吏篣婦公，不過從兄飯，寧有之邪？」倫對曰：「臣三娶妻皆無父。少遭飢亂，實不敢妄過人食。」帝大笑。倫出，有詔以為扶夷長，未到官，追拜會稽太守。雖為二千石，躬自斬芻養馬，妻執炊爨。受俸裁留一月糧，餘皆賤貿與民之貧羸者。會稽俗多淫祀，好卜筮。民常以牛祭神，百姓財產以之困匱，其自食牛肉而不以薦祠者，發病且死先為牛鳴，前後郡將莫敢禁。倫到官，移書屬縣，曉告百姓。其巫祝有依託鬼神詐怖愚民，皆案論之。有妄屠牛者，吏輒行罰。民初頗恐懼，或祝詛妄言，倫案之愈急，後遂斷絕，百姓以安。永平五年，坐法徵，老小攀車叩馬，啼呼相隨，日裁行數里，不得前。倫乃偽止亭舍，陰乘船去。眾知，復追之。及詣廷尉，吏民上書守闕者千餘人。是時顯宗方案梁松事，亦多為松訟者。帝患之，詔公車諸為梁氏及會稽太守上書者勿復受。會帝幸廷尉錄囚徒，得免歸田里。身自耕種，不交通人物。 |
| | In the 27th year of Jianwu (AD 51), he was recommended as a filial and upright official, and appointed to serve as head physician in Huaiyang Kingdom, accompanying its prince there. Emperor Guangwu summoned him for an audience and was very impressed by him. In the 29th year of Jianwu, he accompanied the prince to the capital, and through official attendants was granted an audience. The emperor asked him about governance; Di Wu took this opportunity to respond with his views on state affairs, which greatly pleased the emperor. The next day, he was specially summoned again and conversed with him until evening. The emperor jokingly said to Di Wu: "I heard that as an official, you beat your sister-in-law's father and would not even eat a meal with your elder cousin. Is there any truth in this?" Di Wu replied: "All three of my wives had no fathers." "When I was young, I suffered from famine and chaos; indeed, I dared not recklessly partake in others' food." The emperor laughed heartily. After Di Wu left the audience, an imperial decree was issued appointing him as Fuyi chieftain; before he could assume that post, he was recalled and appointed governor of Kuaiji. Although holding the rank of 2000-dan official, Di Wu personally cut grass to feed his horse, while his wife cooked and stoked the fire. He kept only one month's salary for himself, selling the rest at low prices to give to poor and weak people in the community. The customs of Kuaiji were filled with excessive sacrifices and a strong preference for divination and fortune-telling. The people often sacrificed oxen to the gods, and their wealth became exhausted as a result. Those who ate beef themselves without offering it in sacrifices would fall ill and before dying would imitate the sound of an ox bellowing; previous commandery officials had dared not prohibit this practice. When Di Wu assumed office, he sent letters to the subordinate counties, informing and advising the people. Those shamans who relied on ghosts and gods to deceive and terrify the ignorant commoners were all investigated and punished accordingly. Anyone who slaughtered oxen without cause was immediately penalized by officials. Initially, the people were greatly frightened and some made curses or false accusations; Di Wu investigated more urgently, and later such practices ceased entirely, bringing peace to the commoners. In the fifth year of Yongping (AD 62), Di Wu was recalled for legal violations. The elderly and children clung to his carriage, held onto his horse's reins, weeping and calling out as they followed him; each day he could only travel a few li, unable to proceed further. Di Wu then pretended to stop at an inn, secretly boarding a boat and leaving. When the people found out, they pursued him again. By the time he arrived at the Tingwei Office, more than a thousand officials and commoners had submitted petitions outside its gates to defend him. At that time, Emperor Xianzong was handling the case of Liang Song, and there were also many who petitioned on his behalf. The emperor was troubled by this situation and issued an edict ordering the public carriage office not to accept any further petitions from those who had submitted on behalf of Liang Song or Di Wu, the former governor of Kuaiji. Coincidentally, when the emperor visited the Tingwei Office to review prisoners, he was pardoned and allowed to return to his hometown. He personally tilled the land, refraining from socializing with others.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
數歲，拜為宕渠令，顯拔鄉佐玄賀，賀後為九江、沛二郡守，以清絜稱，所在化行，終於大司農。 |
| | After several years, he was appointed as the magistrate of Dangqu. He promoted his hometown assistant Xuan He; later, Xuan He served as governor of both Jiujiang and Pei commanderies, renowned for his integrity. Wherever he went, moral conduct prevailed, and he eventually held the position of Dashinong until death.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
倫在職四年，遷蜀郡太守。蜀地肥饒，人吏富實，掾史家貲多至千萬，皆鮮車怒馬，以財貨自達。倫悉簡其豐贍者遣還之，更選孤貧志行之人以處曹任，於是爭賕抑絕，文職修理。所舉吏多至九卿、二千石，時以為知人。 |
| | Di Wu served in office for four years before being promoted to governor of Shu Jun. Shu was a fertile and prosperous region, where officials and local people were wealthy. The salaries of clerks and assistants often reached tens of thousands; they all rode in fine carriages with angry-looking horses, using their wealth to gain influence. Di Wu dismissed all those who were wealthy and sent them back, instead selecting poor but virtuous individuals to fill official positions. As a result, the practice of bribing for office was completely eliminated, and administrative affairs were properly managed. Many of those he recommended rose to positions as high as Jiushen or 2000-dan officials; at the time, people considered him a man who could discern talent.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
視事七歲，肅宗初立，擢自遠郡，代牟融為司空。帝以明德太后故，尊崇舅氏馬廖，兄弟並居職任。廖等傾身交結，冠蓋之士爭赴趣之。倫以后族過盛，欲令朝廷抑損其權，上疏曰：「臣聞忠不隱諱，直不避害。不勝愚狷，昧死自表。書曰：『臣無作威作福，其害于而家，凶于而國。』傳曰：『大夫無境外之交，束脩之饋。』近代光烈皇后，雖友愛天至，而卒使陰就歸國，徙廢陰興賓客；其後梁、竇之家，互有非法，明帝即位，竟多誅之。自是洛中無復權戚，書記請託一皆斷絕。又譬諸外戚曰：『苦身待士，不如為國，戴盆望天，事不兩施。』臣常刻著五臧，書諸紳帶。而今之議者，復以馬氏為言。竊聞衛尉廖以布三千匹，城門校尉防以錢三百萬，私贍三輔衣冠，知與不知，莫不畢給。又聞臘日亦遺其在洛中者錢各五千，越騎校尉光，臘用羊三百頭，米四百斛，肉五千斤。臣愚以為不應經義，惶恐不敢不以聞。陛下情欲厚之，亦宜所以安之。臣今言此，誠欲上忠陛下，下全后家，裁蒙省察。」及馬防為車騎將軍，當出征西羌，倫又上疏曰：「臣愚以為貴戚可封侯以富之，不當職事以任之。何者？繩以法則傷恩，私以親則違憲。伏聞馬防今當西征，臣以太后恩仁，陛下至孝，恐卒有纖介，難為意愛。聞防請杜篤為從事中郎，多賜財帛。篤為鄉里所廢，客居美陽，女弟為馬氏妻，恃此交通，在所縣令苦其不法，收繫論之。今來防所，議者咸致疑怪，況乃以為從事，將恐議及朝廷。今宜為選賢能以輔助之，不可復令防自請人，有損事望。苟有所懷，敢不自聞。」並不見省用。 |
| | After seven years in office, when Emperor Suzong first ascended the throne, Di Wu was promoted from a distant commandery to replace Mou Rong as Sikong. The emperor honored Uncle Marquis Ma Liao because of Empress Dowager Mingde, and the brothers all held official positions together. Ma Liao and others used their influence to form connections; influential officials competed to seek favor with them. Di Wu, fearing that the empress's relatives had too much power, wished to have the court curtail their authority. He submitted a memorial stating: "I have heard that loyalty does not involve concealment or evasion, and integrity does not avoid danger. "I am unworthy and stubborn; I dare to report this at the risk of my life." "The Book says: 'Ministers must not wield power or bestow blessings arbitrarily, for this will harm your family and bring disaster to your country.'" "The Classic says: 'Ministers should not have friendships or gifts beyond their official duties in foreign lands.'" "In recent times, Empress Guanglie, though naturally affectionate, still ultimately ordered Yin Jiu to return to the state and dismissed the guests of Yin Xing." "After that, the families of Liang and Dou were involved in various illegal activities; when Emperor Mingdi ascended the throne, many among them were ultimately executed." From then on, there were no more powerful relatives in Luoyang; all requests and commissions conveyed through letters were completely cut off. He also advised the imperial relatives, saying: "Enduring hardship to treat scholars kindly is not as beneficial as serving the state. One cannot hold a basin over one's head and look at the sky—such matters cannot be done simultaneously." "I have always engraved these words on my five internal organs, writing them on my sash for constant remembrance." "But those who speak now again cite the Ma family as an example. "I secretly heard that Weiwei Liao gave 3,000 bolts of cloth and Chengmen Jiaoweifei Fang gave 300,000 coins to privately support the gentry families in the three Fu regions; whether they were known or unknown, all received complete provisions." "I also heard that on the winter solstice, each of those in Luoyang received 5000 coins; Yueqi Jiaoweifei Guang alone used 300 sheep, 400 hu of rice, and 5000 jin of meat during the festival." "I humbly believe this does not conform to proper principles; I am terrified but dare not withhold from reporting it." "Your Majesty may wish to show them kindness, yet you should also consider what is necessary for their stability." "I speak these words now sincerely to be loyal to Your Majesty above and to preserve the empress's family below; I humbly request your consideration." When Ma Fang became the Chaji General and was about to lead an expedition against the Western Qiang, Di Wu again submitted a memorial saying: "I humbly believe that noble relatives may be enfeoffed as marquises to enrich them, but should not be given official duties to entrust them with. "Why is this so?" "Because punishing them according to law would harm kindness, while showing favor due to kinship would violate the constitution." "I have heard that Ma Fang is now to lead a western campaign. Out of respect for the Empress Dowager's kindness and Your Majesty's filial piety, I fear that should any minor misfortune occur, it would be difficult to express affection." "I have heard that Ma Fang has requested Du Du as his assistant general and given him many gifts of wealth and silk. "Du Du was dismissed by his hometown and lived as a guest in Meiyang; his younger sister married into the Ma family, relying on this connection to form ties. Local magistrates were troubled by his lawlessness and arrested him for trial." "Now that he has come to Ma Fang, people are all expressing doubts and suspicion; furthermore, appointing him as an assistant will surely lead to criticism of the court." "It is now appropriate for the court to select a virtuous and capable person to assist him; we must not allow Ma Fang to personally request his own subordinates, as this would damage official credibility." "If I have any concerns, how could I dare withhold from reporting them?" However, his advice was not accepted or acted upon.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
倫雖峭直，然常疾俗吏苛刻。及為三公，值帝長者，屢有善政，乃上疏褒稱盛美，因以勸成風德，曰：「陛下即位，躬天然之德，體晏晏之姿，以寬弘臨下，出入四年，前歲誅刺史、二千石貪殘者六人。斯皆明聖所鑒，非群下所及。然詔書每下寬和而政急不解，務存節儉而奢侈不止者，咎在俗敝，群下不稱故也。光武承王莽之餘，頗以嚴猛為政，後代因之，遂成風化。郡國所舉，類多辨職俗吏，殊未有寬博之選以應上求者也。陳留令劉豫，冠軍令駟協，並以刻薄之姿，臨人宰邑，專念掠殺，務為嚴苦，吏民愁怨，莫不疾之，而今之議者反以為能，違天心，失經義，誠不可不慎也。非徒應坐豫、協，亦當宜譴舉者。務進仁賢以任時政，不過數人，則風俗自化矣。臣嘗讀書記，知秦以酷急亡國，又目見王莽亦以苛法自滅，故勤勸懇懇，實在於此。又聞諸王主貴戚，驕奢踰制，京師尚然，何以示遠？故曰：『其身不正，雖令不行。』以身教者從，以言教者訟。夫陰陽和歲乃豐，君臣同心化乃成也。其刺史、太守以下，拜除京師及道出洛陽者，宜皆召見，可因博問四方，兼以觀察其人。諸上書言事有不合者，可但報歸田里，不宜過加喜怒，以明在寬。臣愚不足採。」及諸馬得罪歸國，而竇氏始貴，倫復上疏曰：「臣得以空虛之質，當輔弼之任。素性駑怯，位尊爵重，拘迫大義，思自策厲，雖遭百死，不敢擇地，又況親遇危言之世哉！今承百王之敝，人尚文巧，咸趨邪路，莫能守正。伏見虎賁中郎將竇憲，椒房之親，典司禁兵，出入省闥，年盛志美，卑謙樂善，此誠其好士交結之方。然諸出入貴戚者，類多瑕舗禁錮之人，尤少守約安貧之節，士大夫無志之徒更相販賣，雲集其門。眾喣飄山，聚蚊成雷，蓋驕佚所從生也。三輔論議者，至云以貴戚廢錮，當復以貴戚浣濯之，猶解酲當以酒也。詖險趣埶之徒，誠不可親近。臣愚願陛下中宮嚴敕憲等閉門自守，無妄交通士大夫，防其未萌，慮於無形，令憲永保福祿，君臣交歡，無纖介之隙。此臣之至所願也。」 |
| | Although Di Wu was stern and upright, he often resented the harshness of vulgar officials. When he became one of the Three Excellencies, and encountered an emperor who was a kind ruler, with many virtuous policies implemented, Di Wu submitted a memorial praising these achievements to encourage moral conduct in government. He said: "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have personally embodied natural virtue and possessed a gentle demeanor; ruling with tolerance over subordinates, for four years now, last year alone six corrupt and cruel officials—governors and 2000-dan officers—were executed." "These are all judgments made by Your Majesty's wisdom, beyond the reach of common officials below." "Yet imperial edicts often issue lenient and harmonious decrees, yet urgent policies remain unrelieved; efforts to promote frugality persist while extravagance continues. The fault lies in the corrupt customs and the officials below who do not measure up." Emperor Guangwu, inheriting the aftermath of Wang Mang's rule, governed with a somewhat strict and vigorous approach. Later generations followed this example, thus forming a prevailing trend in governance. Those recommended by the commanderies and states were mostly capable but conventional officials, with none of them being broad-minded or magnanimous enough to meet the emperor's expectations. Liu Yu, the magister of Chenliu, and Si Xie, the magister of Guanjun, both governed with harsh and cruel dispositions. They ruled over their people like executioners, focusing solely on plundering and killing, enforcing strict and brutal policies that caused officials and commoners alike to suffer and resent them deeply. Yet today's critics wrongly regard these men as capable, which violates the will of Heaven and deviates from classical principles; this is indeed something one must be extremely cautious about. "It is not only appropriate to punish Liu Yu and Si Xie, but also necessary to censure those who recommended them." "Strive to promote benevolent and virtuous men for positions of state; if only a few such individuals are appointed, then customs and morals will naturally improve." "I have often read historical records and learned that the Qin dynasty perished due to its harsh and hasty governance; I also witnessed with my own eyes how Wang Mang destroyed himself through severe laws. Therefore, I earnestly urge Your Majesty—this is precisely what I am most concerned about." "I have also heard that the imperial princes, princesses, and noble relatives are arrogant and extravagant beyond regulation; if this is still happening in the capital itself, how can it serve as an example to distant regions?" "Therefore it is said: 'If a leader himself is not upright, his commands will not be followed.'" "Teaching by example leads to obedience; teaching through words alone invites disputes." "When yin and yang are in harmony, the year will be bountiful; when ruler and subjects share a single mind, transformation and virtue can be achieved." "Therefore, all commandery governors and magistrates of lower ranks who are appointed in the capital or pass through Luoyang on their way to office should be summoned for an audience. This would allow Your Majesty to broadly inquire about conditions across the four directions while also observing these officials' characters." "For those who submit memorials with views that do not align, it is appropriate to merely respond by sending them back to their hometowns. One should not excessively express joy or anger in order to demonstrate tolerance and leniency." "I am unworthy; my words are not worth considering." When the Ma clan was punished and returned to their fiefs, the Dou family began to rise in power. Di Wu once again submitted a memorial, saying: "I am unworthy but have been entrusted with an important advisory role. "My nature has always been weak and timid, yet with my high position and noble title, I am bound by great principles. I have resolved to self-discipline and strive for improvement; even if faced with a hundred deaths, I would not choose an easy path, let alone in these times when speaking truthfully is dangerous!" "Now, inheriting the decline of a hundred previous dynasties, people value literary sophistication and cunning; all rush toward crooked paths, none daring to uphold righteousness." "I have observed Dou Xian, the Huhen Zhonglangjiang, a close relative of the imperial family and in charge of palace guards. He enters and exits the inner court, is young with noble aspirations, humble and eager for virtue—this indeed appears to be his way of cultivating friendships with scholars." "Yet those who come and go among the noble relatives are often people with blemished reputations or those previously banned from office; especially few possess the virtue of upholding simplicity and enduring poverty. Aimless scholars and officials trade in influence, gathering at his door like clouds." "Many whispers can topple a mountain; a swarm of mosquitoes can create thunder. This is how arrogance and indulgence arise." "Debates in the Three Fu regions have even gone so far as to say that if noble relatives are dismissed due to disgrace, they should be cleansed and reinstated by other noble relatives—just as one would cure a hangover with more alcohol." "Those who are crooked, treacherous, and pursue power at all costs truly cannot be trusted or brought close." "I humbly wish that Your Majesty and the Empress would strictly command Dou Xian to keep his doors closed, guarding himself carefully; he should not recklessly associate with officials. Preventing problems before they arise, considering dangers unseen, will allow Dou Xian to forever preserve fortune and rank, ensuring mutual joy between ruler and subject without even a slight rift." "This is my deepest wish."
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
倫奉公盡節，言事無所依違。諸子或時諫止，輒叱遣之，吏人奏記及便宜者，亦并封上，其無私若此。性質愨，少文采，在位以貞白稱，時人方之前朝貢禹。然少蘊藉，不修威儀，亦以此見輕。或問倫曰：「公有私乎？」對曰：「昔人有與吾千里馬者，吾雖不受，每三公有所選舉，心不能忘，而亦終不用也。吾兄子常病，一夜十往，退而安寢；吾子有疾，雖不省視而竟夕不眠。若是者，豈可謂無私乎？」連以老病上疏乞身。元和三年，賜策罷，以二千石奉終其身，加賜錢五十萬，公宅一區。後數年卒，時年八十餘，詔賜秘器、衣衾、錢布。 |
| | Di Wu served the public with utmost integrity, speaking out on matters without favor or evasion. When his sons occasionally advised him to stop, he would scold and send them away. Even official memorials or proposals from subordinates were sealed and submitted directly; such was his impartiality. By nature, he was sincere and modest, lacking in literary flair. While in office, he was praised for his integrity and purity; contemporaries compared him to Gong Yu of the previous dynasty. Yet he lacked refinement and did not cultivate an imposing demeanor, and this is why he was also looked down upon. Someone once asked Di Wu, "Do you have any private interests?" He replied, "In the past, someone gave me a thousand-li horse. Although I did not accept it, whenever there was an appointment to one of the Three Dukes, I could not forget about it in my heart, yet I still never used that person." "My nephew was once seriously ill; I visited him ten times in one night, but after returning home, I rested peacefully and slept soundly;" "Yet when my own son was ill, even though I did not visit him, I could not sleep all night." "If this is the case, how can it be said that I am without private feelings?" Because of old age and illness, he repeatedly submitted memorials requesting to resign from office. In Yuanshe 3, he was granted an imperial decree to retire. He received a stipend equivalent to that of a two-thousand-dan official for life, and was additionally bestowed with fifty thousand coins and one house as a public residence. Several years later he died at the age of over eighty; an imperial edict was issued granting him secret funeral equipment, clothing and shrouds, as well as money and cloth.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
少子頡嗣，歷桂陽、廬江、南陽太守，所在見稱。順帝之為太子廢也，頡為太中大夫，與太僕來歷等共守闕固爭。帝即位，擢為將作大匠，卒官。倫曾孫種。 |
| | His youngest son, Di Jie, succeeded him and served successively as governor of Guiyang, Lujiang, and Nanyang; wherever he went, he was highly praised. When Emperor Shun was deposed as crown prince, Di Jie served as Taizhongdafa and together with Tai Pu Lai Li and others stood at the palace gate to strongly protest. After Emperor Shun ascended the throne, he was promoted to Jiangzuo Dajiang and died in office. Di Wu's great-grandson was Di Zhong.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
論曰：第五倫峭覈為方，非夫愷悌之士，省其奏議，惇惇歸諸寬厚，將懲苛切之敝使其然乎？昔人以弦韋為佩，蓋猶此矣。然而君子侈不僭上，儉不偪下，豈尊臨千里而與牧圉等庸乎？詎非矯激，則未可以中和言也。 |
| | Commentary: Di Wu was strict and thorough in his governance. Not a man of kindness and gentleness, yet examining his memorials and proposals reveals a sincere emphasis on leniency and sincerity—was this an effort to correct the ills of excessive severity? "In ancient times, people wore strings and leather as ornaments; perhaps it was for a similar reason." "Yet the gentleman, in his generosity, does not overstep above; in frugality, he does not oppress below. How could one who holds a high position be on equal terms with a mere shepherd or groom?" "If it is not an exaggerated display of righteousness, then it cannot truly be said to embody the principle of harmony."
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
種字興先，少厲志義，為吏，冠名州郡。永壽中，以司徒掾清詔使冀州，廉察災害，舉奏刺史、二千石以下，所刑免甚眾，棄官奔走者數十人。還，以奉使稱職，拜高密侯相。是時徐兗二州盜賊群輩，高密在二州之郊，種乃大儲糧蓄，勤厲吏士，賊聞皆憚之，桴鼓不鳴，流民歸者，歲中至數千家。以能換為衛相。 |
| | Di Zhong, courtesy name Xingxian, from a young age cultivated lofty aspirations and righteousness. As an official, he gained fame in his state and commandery. During the Yongshou period, he served as a shitu yuan and was appointed by imperial decree to inspect Jizhou. He investigated disasters with integrity, submitting reports on censors, two-thousand-dan officials, and those below them; many were punished or dismissed from office, and dozens of officials resigned in panic and fled. Upon his return, he was appointed as xiang (magistrate) of Gaomi Hou due to having fulfilled his duties commendably during the mission. At that time, groups of bandits were active in the two states of Xu and Yan. Since Gaomi was located on the border between these two states, Di Zhong made great efforts to stockpile food supplies and diligently motivated his officials and soldiers. The bandits heard of this and all feared him; thus, there were no alarms or war drums, and thousands of displaced families returned within a year. Because of his competence, he was transferred to serve as xiang (magistrate) in Wei Commandery.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
遷兗州刺史。中常侍單超兄子匡為濟陰太守，負埶貪放，種欲收舉，未知所使。會聞從事衛羽素抗厲，乃召羽具告之。謂曰：「聞公不畏彊禦，今欲相委以重事，若何？」對曰：「願庶幾於一割。」羽出，遂馳至定陶，閉門收匡賓客親吏四十餘人，六七日中，糾發其臧五六千萬。種即奏匡，并以劾超。匡窘迫，遣刺客刺羽，羽覺其姦，乃收繫客，具得情狀。州內震慄，朝廷嗟歎之。 |
| | He was later promoted to cishi (governor) of Yanzhou. Zhong Changshi Shan Chao's nephew, Shan Kuang, served as governor of Jiyin. He was arrogant and greedy, so Di Zhong wanted to arrest him but did not yet know whom to send for the task. Just then he heard that Weiyu, an official subordinate (congshi), was known for his upright and resolute character, so he summoned Weiyu and fully informed him of the matter. He said to him, "I have heard that you do not fear powerful adversaries. Now I wish to entrust you with an important task—what say you?" Weiyu replied, "I hope at least to make a small contribution." After Weiyu left, he immediately rode to Dingtao and shut the door, arresting more than forty of Shan Kuang's guests, close attendants, and officials. Within six or seven days, he uncovered a hidden fortune of five or six million coins. Di Zhong immediately submitted a report on Shan Kuang and also used the opportunity to impeach his uncle, Shan Chao. Shan Kuang became desperate and sent an assassin to kill Weiyu. However, Weiyu discovered the plot and arrested the assassin, obtaining full details of the conspiracy. The entire commandery was shocked into awe, and the imperial court expressed admiration and approval.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
是時太山賊叔孫無忌等暴橫一境，州郡不能討。羽說種曰：「中國安寧，忘戰日久，而太山險阻，寇猾不制。今雖有精兵，難以赴敵，羽請往譬降之。」種敬諾。羽乃往，備說禍福，無忌即帥其黨與三千餘人降。單超積懷忿恨，遂以事陷種，竟坐徙朔方。超外孫董援為朔方太守，蓄怒以待之。初，種為衛相，以門下掾孫斌賢，善遇之。及當徙斥，斌具聞超謀，乃謂其友人同縣閭子直及高密甄子然曰：「蓋盜憎其主，從來舊矣。第五使君當投裔土，而單超外屬為彼郡守。夫危者易仆，可為寒心。吾今方追使君，庶免其難。若奉使君以還，將以付子。」二人曰：「子其行矣，是吾心也。」於是斌將俠客晨夜追種，及之於太原，遮險格殺送吏，因下馬與種，斌自步從。一日一夜行四百餘里，遂得脫歸。 |
| | At that time, Shusun Wujin and other bandits in Taishan were rampant throughout the region, and neither the state nor commandery officials could suppress them. Weiyu advised Di Zhong, "The central lands have long been at peace and forgotten the ways of war. Yet Taishan is a dangerous and rugged region where bandits remain unchecked." "Now, although we have elite troops, it will be difficult to confront the enemy directly. I request permission to go and persuade them to surrender." Di Zhong respectfully agreed. Weiyu went and thoroughly explained the consequences of resistance versus surrender, so Shusun Wujin immediately led his faction of more than three thousand men in submission. Shan Chao had long harbored resentment and anger, so he fabricated charges against Di Zhong, who was ultimately punished and exiled to Shuofang. Shan Chao's granddaughter's husband, Dong Yuan, served as governor of Shuofang and had been harboring anger to await his arrival. Initially, when Di Zhong was xiang (magistrate) at Wei Commandery, he considered Sun Bin, a subordinate official in his office, to be virtuous and treated him kindly. When Di Zhong was about to be exiled and disgraced, Sun Bin learned of Shan Chao's plot. He then told his friends, his fellow native Lu Zizhi from the same county and Zhen Ziran from Gaomi: "It is said that thieves despise their masters; this has been true for a long time." "Di Shi jun should be exiled to the distant frontier, yet Shan Chao's relative serves as governor of that very commandery." "He who is in danger is easily toppled; this is truly a cause for alarm and concern." "I am now going to follow Shi jun, hoping to help him avoid disaster." "If I manage to escort Shi jun back safely, I will entrust you both to his care." The two men said, "You should go ahead. This is our wish as well." Thus, Sun Bin led a group of knights and pursued Di Zhong day and night. They caught up with him in Taiyuan, blocked the dangerous terrain, killed the officials escorting him, then dismounted to hand over their horses to Di Zhong while Sun Bin himself walked alongside. They traveled more than four hundred li in one day and night, and thus managed to escape safely back home.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
種匿於閭、甄氏數年，徐州從事臧旻上書訟之曰：「臣聞士有忍死之辱，必有就事之計，故季布屈節於朱家，管仲錯行於召忽。此二臣以可死而不死者，非愛身於須臾，貪命於苟活，隱其智力，顧其權略，庶幸逢時有所為耳。卒遭高帝之成業，齊桓之興伯，遺其亡逃之行，赦其射鉤之讎，拔於囚虜之中，信其佐國之謀，勳效傳於百世，君臣載於篇籍。假令二主紀過於纖介，則此二臣同死於犬馬，沈名於溝壑，當何由得申其補過之功，建其奇奧之術乎？伏見故兗州刺史第五種，傑然自建，在鄉曲無苞苴之嫌，步朝堂無擇言之闕，天性疾惡，公方不曲，故論者說清高以種為上，序直士以種為首。春秋之義，選人所長，棄其所短，錄其小善，除其大過。種所坐以盜賊公負，筋力未就，罪至徵徙，非有大惡。昔虞舜事親，大杖則走。故種逃亡，苟全性命，冀有朱家之路，以顯季布之會。願陛下無遺須臾之恩，令種有持忠入地之恨。」會赦出，卒於家。 |
| | For several years, Di Zhong took refuge in the homes of Lu and Zhen families. Cang Min, a congshi (official subordinate) from Xu Zhou, submitted a memorial to plead his case: "Minister, I have heard that there are scholars who endure death's disgrace, yet they must also have plans for eventual success; thus Ji Bu humbled himself before Zhu Jia, and Guan Zhong acted wrongly in the eyes of Zhao Hu. These two ministers chose to live rather than die not because they cherished life for a moment or clung to existence in futility, but by concealing their wisdom and strategy, considering the timing and circumstances, hoping eventually to find an opportunity to act. Eventually, they encountered the achievements of Emperor Gaozu and Duke Huan of Qi. The former forgave their past escapes and released them from captivity; the latter pardoned his enemy who had once shot an arrow at him during a hunting trip, elevating both to positions where they could assist in state affairs. Their meritorious deeds were passed down for generations, and their stories as loyal ministers are recorded in historical texts. Had these two rulers recorded even the smallest faults with excessive severity, then Ji Bu and Guan Zhong would have died like dogs or horses, their names buried in ditches and ravines. How could they ever have had a chance to redeem themselves through meritorious service or demonstrate their extraordinary strategies? "I have observed the former Yanzhou cishi Di Zhong, a man of remarkable integrity and self-discipline. In his hometown he was free from suspicion of bribery or corruption; in court he never hesitated to speak truthfully. By nature, he detested evil and upheld public justice without compromise. Thus, those who commented on virtue ranked him highest among the upright, placing him first among men of integrity." According to the principles of Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn Annals), one should select a person's strengths, set aside their weaknesses, record minor virtues, and forgive major faults. Di Zhong was punished for failing to suppress bandits due to insufficient strength, and his crime led only to exile. He did not commit any grave offenses. In the past, Yu Shun served his parents with filial piety; when struck heavily by a staff, he would run away. Therefore, Di Zhong fled to preserve his life, hoping for an opportunity like Zhu Jia's intervention that would allow him to achieve a meeting akin to Ji Bu's redemption. "I pray Your Majesty not to withhold even the briefest act of mercy, so that Di Zhong may not die with regret for having served his loyalty in vain." He was eventually pardoned and released, but died at home.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
鍾離意字子阿，會稽山陰人也。少為郡督郵。時部縣亭長有受人酒禮者，府下記案考之。意封還記，入言於太守曰：「春秋先內後外，《》云『刑於寡妻，以御于家邦』，明政化之本，由近及遠。今宜先清府內，且闊略遠縣細微之愆。」太守甚賢之，遂任以縣事。建武十四年，會稽大疫，死者萬數，意獨身自隱親，經給醫藥，所部多蒙全濟。 |
| | Zhongli Yi, courtesy name Zi'a, was a native of Shanyin, Kuaiji. As a young man, he served as doupian (a local official) in his commandery. At that time, the chief of a village under his jurisdiction had accepted gifts and wine from someone; the prefecture ordered an investigation to examine the matter. Yi sealed and returned the report, then addressed the governor: "The Chunqiu (Spring and Autumn) Annals emphasize internal order before external affairs. The Book of Songs says, 'Establish discipline with one's wife, so as to govern the family and state.' This makes clear that the foundation of governance and moral influence begins at home and extends outward." "Now, we should first purify our own administration; meanwhile, minor faults in distant counties may be overlooked for the time being." The governor held him in high regard and thus entrusted him with county affairs. In the fourteenth year of Jianwu, a great plague struck Kuaiji, killing tens of thousands. Alone among officials, Zhongli Yi personally visited those infected, providing medicine and care; many under his jurisdiction were thus saved from death.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
舉孝廉，再遷，辟大司徒侯霸府。詔部送徒詣河內，時冬寒，徒病不能行。路過弘農，意輒移屬縣使作徒衣，縣不得已與之，而上書言狀，意亦具以聞。光武得奏，以見霸，曰：「君所使掾何乃仁於用心？誠良吏也！」意遂於道解徒桎梏，恣所欲過，與剋期俱至，無或違者。還，以病免。 |
| | He was recommended as a filial and upright official (xiulian), promoted twice, and later appointed to the office of Da Situ Hou Ba. An imperial decree ordered him to escort convicts to Hedong. At that time, it was winter and cold, and the prisoners were ill and unable to travel. On the way through Hongnong, Yi immediately issued an order to the local county authorities to make clothes for the convicts. The county had no choice but to comply and then submitted a report explaining the situation; Yi also reported the matter in full to his superiors. Emperor Guangwu read the memorial and showed it to Hou Ba, saying, "What official under your employ could be so compassionate in his actions?" "Truly a fine official!" Yi then released the convicts from their shackles along the way, allowing them to go wherever they wished as long as they returned by a set deadline. Not one of them failed to comply. After returning, he was dismissed due to illness.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
後除瑕丘令。吏有檀建者，盜竊縣內，意屏人問狀，建叩頭服罪，不忍加刑，遣令長休。建父聞之，為建設酒，謂曰：「吾聞無道之君以刃殘人，有道之君以義行誅。子罪，命也。」遂令建進藥而死。二十五年，遷堂邑令。人防廣為父報讎，繫獄，其母病死，廣哭泣不食。意憐傷之，乃聽廣歸家，使得殯斂。丞掾皆爭，意曰：「罪自我歸，義不累下。」遂遣之。廣斂母訖，果還入獄。意密以狀聞，廣竟得以減死論。 |
| | Later, he was appointed magistrate of Xiaqiu. One of his officials, Tan Jian, had stolen within the county. Yi dismissed the others and questioned him privately; Jian knelt and confessed to his crime. Unable to bear punishing him, Yi sent him home on leave. Jian's father heard of this and prepared a banquet for Jian, saying to him: "I have heard that tyrannical rulers use blades to harm people, while virtuous rulers carry out punishment through righteousness." "Your crime is the result of fate." He then ordered Jian to take poison and die. In the twenty-fifth year, he was promoted to magistrate of Tangyi. A man named Fang Guang had avenged his father's death and was imprisoned. His mother fell ill and died, and Guang wept and refused to eat. Yi felt compassion for him and allowed Fang Guang to return home so he could properly bury his mother. His assistants and subordinates all protested, but Yi said, "If there is blame, it shall fall upon me; righteousness must not burden my subordinates." He then sent Fang Guang away. After properly burying his mother, Fang Guang indeed returned to prison. Yi secretly submitted a report on the matter, and Fang Guang was ultimately spared execution and received a lesser sentence.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
顯宗即位，徵為尚書。時交阯太守張恢，坐臧千金，徵還伏法，以資物簿入大司農，詔班賜群臣。意得珠璣，悉以委地而不拜賜。帝怪而問其故。對曰：「臣聞孔子忍渴於盜泉之水，曾參回車於勝母之閭，惡其名也。此臧穢之寶，誠不敢拜。」帝嗟歎曰：「清乎尚書之言！」乃更以庫錢三十萬賜意。轉為尚書僕射。車駕數幸廣成苑，意以為從禽廢政，常當車陳諫般樂遊田之事，天子即時還宮。永平三年夏旱，而大起北宮，意詣闕免冠上疏曰：「伏見陛下以天時小旱，憂念元元，降避正殿，躬自克責，而比日密雲，遂無大潤，豈政有未得應天心者邪？昔成湯遭旱，以六事自責曰：『政不節邪？使人疾邪？宮室榮邪？女謁盛邪？苞苴行邪？讒夫昌邪？』竊見北宮大作，人失農時，此所謂宮室榮也。自古非苦宮室小狹，但患人不安寧。宜且罷止，以應天心。臣意以匹夫之才，無有行能，久食重祿，擢備近臣，比受厚賜，喜懼相并，不勝愚戇征營，罪當萬死。」帝策詔報曰：「湯引六事，咎在一人。其冠履，勿謝。比上天降旱，密雲數會，朕戚然慚懼，思獲嘉應，故分布禱請，闚候風雲，北祈明堂，南設雩場。今又敕大匠止作諸宮，減省不急，庶消災譴。」詔因謝公卿百僚，遂應時澍雨焉。 |
| | After Emperor Xianzong ascended the throne, Zhongli Yi was summoned to serve as Shangshu (Minister of the Secretariat). At that time, Zhang Hui, the governor of Jiaozhi, was executed for embezzling a thousand gold pieces. The confiscated assets were returned to the Da Siniang (Ministry of Revenue), and an imperial decree ordered them distributed as gifts among the officials. Yi received some pearls and jewels, but he cast them all on the ground and refused to accept the gift. The emperor was surprised and asked him why. He replied, "I have heard that Confucius endured thirst rather than drink from the bandit spring's water, and Zeng Shen turned his carriage back at the gate of Shengmu, disliking their names. These are treasures tainted by corruption; I truly dare not accept them." The emperor sighed and said, "How pure is the speech of this Shangshu!" He then gave Yi a different gift of 300,000 coins from the treasury. He was later transferred to serve as Shangshu Puye (Minister of State). The emperor frequently visited Guangcheng Yuan (a hunting park). Yi considered that following the emperor in hunting neglected state affairs, and he often advised against such pleasures by standing before the imperial carriage. The Son of Heaven would immediately return to the palace upon hearing this. In the summer of Yongping 3rd year, there was a drought while the northern palace was being built on a large scale. Yi went to the palace gate, removed his hat, and submitted a memorial saying: "I have observed that Your Majesty, because of this minor drought in the seasons, is worried about the welfare of your subjects, has retreated from the main hall, and personally taken blame upon yourself. Yet recently dense clouds have formed but no substantial rain has fallen—could it be that there are still aspects of governance not aligned with Heaven's will? In the past, Emperor Chengtang encountered a drought and self-reproached himself in six matters: "Is it that governance is not measured properly? Are officials causing harm to people? Are the palace buildings too luxurious? Is there excessive influence from women and court favorites? Are bribes being accepted? Or are slanderers flourishing?"' I secretly observe that the northern palace is being built on a grand scale, causing people to miss their farming season. This is what is called luxurious palaces and buildings. Since ancient times, it has not been the hardship of small or narrow palace buildings that caused problems, but rather the suffering of people who are not at peace. It is advisable to temporarily halt this construction in order to align with Heaven's will. "As a mere commoner with limited talent, I have no remarkable conduct or ability. For a long time, I have enjoyed generous emoluments and been promoted to serve as one of Your Majesty's close ministers. Recently, I received great favors from the emperor; joy and fear fill my heart at once. I cannot help but speak out this foolish and blunt advice, for which I deserve ten thousand deaths." The emperor issued an edict in reply: "King Tang cited the six matters of self-reproach; the blame lies with one person alone. Put your hat and shoes back on, and do not apologize. When the heavens sent this drought and dense clouds gathered several times, I was filled with shame and fear. I longed for a favorable response, so I ordered prayers to be offered in various places, watching for signs of wind and rain, making sacrifices at the Mingtang Hall in the north and setting up altars for the Yu ceremony in the south. Now I have also ordered the chief architect to halt construction on all palaces and cut back on non-urgent projects, hoping thereby to eliminate this calamity and punishment." The emperor then issued an edict thanking the high officials and all court ministers. Soon after, timely rain fell in abundance.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
時詔賜降胡子縑，尚書案事，誤以十為百。帝見司農上簿，大怒，召郎將笞之。意因入叩頭曰：「過誤之失，常人所容。若以懈慢為愆，則臣位大，罪重，郎位小，罪輕，咎皆在臣，臣當先坐。」乃解衣就格。帝意解，使復冠而貰郎。 |
| | At that time, an imperial decree granted Xianghu Zi jian (a type of fine silk) to someone. The Shangshu office investigated the matter and mistakenly recorded ten as a hundred. When the emperor saw the report submitted by the Da Siniang, he became very angry and summoned the clerk to be beaten with canes. Yi then entered and knelt before the emperor, saying, "Mistakes due to carelessness are understandable even for ordinary people. If the fault is considered one of negligence, then I hold a higher position and should bear heavier blame; the clerk holds a lower rank and lighter responsibility. The guilt lies with me, and I should be punished first." He then removed his clothes to accept punishment. The emperor relented, allowed him to put his hat back on, and pardoned the clerk.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
帝性褊察，好以耳目隱發為明，故公卿大臣數被詆毀，近臣尚書以下至見提拽。常以事怒郎藥崧，以杖撞之。崧走入床下，帝怒甚，疾言曰：「郎出！郎出！」崧曰：「天子穆穆，諸侯煌煌。未聞人君自起撞郎。」帝赦之。朝廷莫不悚慄，爭為嚴切，以避誅責；唯意獨敢諫爭，數封還詔書，臣下過失輒救解之。會連有變異，意復上疏曰：「伏惟陛下躬行孝道，修明經術，郊祀天地，畏敬鬼神，憂恤黎元，勞心不怠。而天氣未和，日月不明，水泉湧溢，寒暑違節者，咎在群臣不能宣化理職，而以苛刻為俗。吏殺良人，繼踵不絕。百官無相親之心，吏人無雍雍之志。至於骨肉相殘，毒害彌深，感逆和氣，以致天災。百姓可以德勝，難以力服。先王要道，民用和睦，故能致天下和平，災害不生，禍亂不作。鹿鳴之詩必言宴樂者，以人神之心洽，然後天氣和也。願陛下垂聖德，揆萬機，詔有司，慎人命，緩刑罰，順時氣，以調陰陽，垂之無極。」帝雖不能用，然知其至誠。亦以此故不得久留，出為魯相。後德陽殿成，百官大會。帝思意言，謂公卿曰：「鍾離尚書若在，此殿不立。」 |
| | The emperor had a narrow-minded and suspicious nature, preferring to demonstrate his wisdom by secretly investigating and exposing hidden matters. Therefore, high officials such as the Grand Commanders were often defamed and criticized; even subordinates of the Shangshu down to lower ranks could be dragged before him for questioning. He was once angry at a clerk named Yao Song over some matter and struck him with a staff. Song ran under the bed, which greatly angered the emperor, who shouted angrily, "Come out, clerk!" "Come out!" Song replied, "The Son of Heaven is dignified and solemn; the feudal lords are resplendent. I have never heard that a sovereign would personally rise to strike his clerk." The emperor pardoned him. Everyone in the court was terrified, and officials competed to be strict and meticulous in their duties just to avoid punishment or blame; only Zhongli Yi dared to offer remonstrances, repeatedly returning imperial edicts in sealed form and often defending officials when they made mistakes. At this time, there were several ominous signs. Yi again submitted a memorial saying: "I humbly consider that Your Majesty personally practices filial piety, cultivates and clarifies the Confucian classics, performs sacrifices to Heaven and Earth at the suburbs, reveres ghosts and gods, is concerned for the welfare of the common people, and labors diligently without tiring. Yet the weather is still not harmonious, the sun and moon are obscured, water sources overflow, and cold and heat occur out of season. The fault lies with the ministers who have failed to promote virtue or fulfill their duties properly, instead fostering a culture of severity and harshness. The officials kill innocent people, one after another without end. The officials lack mutual kindness, and the clerks and commoners have no harmonious aspirations. Even to the point where family members harm one another, with deeper and more pervasive poison and cruelty, disturbing harmony and thus causing heavenly calamities. The people can be won over by virtue but are hard to subdue through force. Ancient kings followed the essential principles of governance, ensuring that people lived in harmony and peace; thus they could bring about a peaceful world where disasters did not arise and calamities did not occur. The poem "Lu Ming" necessarily speaks of banquets and pleasures because only when the hearts of people and gods are in harmony can the weather become harmonious. I wish Your Majesty would extend your holy virtue, carefully deliberate on all state affairs, issue decrees to the relevant officials, be cautious in dealing with human lives, lighten punishments and penalties, follow the seasons' rhythms, so as to harmonize yin and yang, thus achieving endless peace." Although the emperor did not adopt his advice, he recognized Yi's utmost sincerity. He also could not remain in office for long because of this and was transferred to serve as Xiang (governor) of Lu. Later, when the Deyang Hall was completed, a grand assembly of all officials took place. The emperor recalled Yi's words and said to the high ministers: "If Zhongli Shangshu were still here, this hall would not have been built."
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
意視事五年，以愛利為化，人多殷富。以久病卒官。遺言上書陳升平之世，難以急化，宜少寬假。帝感傷其意，下詔嗟歎，賜錢二十萬。 |
| | Yi served in office for five years. By promoting love and public benefit as the basis of governance, he brought prosperity to many people. He died in office after a long illness. In his final words, he submitted a memorial stating that during times of peace and prosperity, it was difficult to enforce strict reforms; the government should instead be somewhat lenient. The emperor felt moved by his words, issued an edict expressing sorrow and admiration, and bestowed 200,000 copper coins as a grant.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
藥崧者，河內人，天性朴忠。家貧為郎，常獨直臺上，無被，枕励，食糟糠。帝每夜入臺，輒見崧，問其故，甚嘉之，自此詔太官賜尚書以下朝夕餐，給帷被皁袍，及侍史二人。崧官至南陽太守。 |
| | Yao Song was a native of Henan; by nature he was simple and loyal. He came from a poor family but served as a clerk, often staying alone on the palace platform without a blanket or pillow, and eating bran and chaff. Whenever the emperor entered the palace at night, he would often see Song and ask about his situation. Impressed by this, the emperor praised him highly; from then on, an imperial decree was issued ordering the Taiguan (Imperial Kitchen) to provide morning and evening meals for all Shangshu officials and below, as well as curtains, blankets, black robes, and two attendants per official. Yao Song eventually rose to the position of governor of Nanyang.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
宋均字叔庠，南陽安眾人也。父伯，建武初為五官中郎將。均以父任為郎，時年十五，好經書，每休沐日，輒受業博士，通詩禮，善論難。至二十餘，調補辰陽長。其俗少學者而信巫鬼，均為立學校，禁絕淫祀，人皆安之。以祖母喪去官，客授潁川。 |
| | Song Jun, courtesy name Shuxiang, was a native of Anzhong, Nanyang. His father, Song Bo, served as Wuguan Zhonglangjiang at the beginning of the Jianwu era. Jun became a clerk through his father's recommendation when he was fifteen years old. He loved the Confucian classics and, on days off for bathing and rest, would always study under the imperial scholars, mastering the Book of Songs and the Rites, and becoming skilled in debate and interpretation. By the time he was over twenty, he was transferred to serve as magistrates of Chenyang. The local custom had few scholars and placed great faith in shamans and ghosts. Jun established schools, banned superstitious rituals, and the people all found peace of mind under his governance. He resigned from office to mourn for his grandmother and later taught as a private tutor in Yingchuan.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
後為謁者。會武陵蠻反，圍武威將軍劉尚，詔使均乘傳發江夏奔命三千人往救之。既至而尚已沒。會伏波將軍馬援至，詔因令均監軍，與諸將俱進，賊拒阨不得前。及馬援卒於師，軍士多溫溼疾病，死者太半。均慮軍遂不反，乃與諸將議曰：「今道遠士病，不可以戰，欲權承制降之何如？」諸將皆伏地莫敢應。均曰：「夫忠臣出竟，有可以安國家，專之可也。」乃矯制調伏波司馬呂种守沅陵長，命种奉詔書入虜營，告以恩信，因勒兵隨其後。蠻夷震怖，即共斬其大帥而降，於是入賊營，散其眾，遣歸本郡，為置長吏而還。均未至，先自劾矯制之罪。光武嘉其功，迎賜以金帛，令過家上冢。其後每有四方異議，數訪問焉。 |
| | Later, he served as Yezhe (an official of the imperial court). At that time, the Wu Ling barbarians rebelled and surrounded General Liu Shang of Wushi. The emperor issued an imperial decree ordering Song Jun to travel by urgent courier to mobilize 3,000 volunteers from Jiangxia to go rescue him. By the time he arrived, Liu Shang had already been killed. At that time General Fu Bo Ma Yuan arrived, and the emperor ordered Song Jun to serve as military supervisor, commanding with other generals. The rebels blocked their path and they could not advance. When General Ma Yuan died in the field, many soldiers fell ill from dampness and heat, with more than half of them dying. Fearing that the army would not be able to return, Jun discussed with the generals and said: "Now our troops are far from home and many soldiers are ill; we cannot fight. What if we temporarily accept their surrender under imperial authority? What do you think?" The generals all knelt on the ground, daring not to respond. Jun said: "A loyal minister who travels beyond the borders may act independently if it serves to ensure national stability." He then counterfeited an imperial order to summon Fu Bo Sima Lü Zhong, the magistrates of Yuanling, and ordered Zhong to carry a decree into the rebel camp, conveying the emperor's grace and trust. He also stationed troops behind Zhong as backup. The barbarians were terrified and immediately beheaded their leader before surrendering. Song Jun then entered the rebel camp, dispersed the rebels, sent them back to their native regions, appointed magistrates for local governance, and returned. Before he arrived at court, Jun first submitted a self-reproach report confessing the crime of counterfeiting an imperial order. Emperor Guangwu praised his achievement, welcomed him with gold and silk, and ordered that he pass by his hometown to pay respects at the family tomb. Afterward, whenever there were unusual incidents or disputes in different regions, the emperor often consulted him.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
遷上蔡令。時府下記，禁人喪葬不得侈長。均曰：「夫送終踰制，失之輕者。今有不義之民，尚未循化，而遽罰過禮，非政之先。」竟不肯施行。 |
| | He was promoted to magistrates of Shangcai. At that time, a decree from the prefecture office prohibited extravagant funeral practices and excessive mourning periods for the deceased. Jun said: "Exceeding regulations in funerary rites is a minor offense. Now there are unrighteous people who have not yet been transformed by virtue, and to hastily punish them for exceeding ritual norms is not the priority of good governance." He ultimately refused to enforce the decree.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
遷九江太守。郡多虎暴，數為民患，常募設檻阱而猶多傷害。均到，下記屬縣曰：「夫虎豹在山，黿鼉在水，各有所託。且江淮之有猛獸，猶北土之有雞豚也。今為民害，咎在殘吏，而勞勤張捕，非憂恤之本也。其務退姦貪，思進忠善，可一去檻阱，除削課制。」其後傳言虎相與東游度江。中元元年，山陽、楚、沛多蝗，其飛至九江界者，輒東西散去，由是名稱遠近。浚遒縣有唐、后二山，民共祠之，眾巫遂取百姓男女以為公嫗，歲歲改易，既而不敢嫁娶，前後守令莫敢禁。均乃下書曰：「自今以後，為山娶者皆娶巫家，勿擾良民。」於是遂絕。 |
| | He was transferred and promoted to governor of Jiujiang. The region had many tigers that caused harm, frequently troubling the people. Although traps and pits were often set by recruitment, injuries still occurred frequently. When Jun arrived, he issued an order to the subordinate counties: "Tigers and leopards in the mountains, soft-shelled turtles and giant crocodiles in water—each has its natural habitat. Moreover, fierce beasts in the Jianghuai region are like chickens and pigs in northern lands. Now they cause harm to the people; the fault lies with corrupt officials, not the beasts themselves. To exhaustively hunt and capture them is not the fundamental way of showing concern for the people's welfare. You should focus on removing corrupt and greedy officials, promote loyal and virtuous men, and thus the need for traps and pits can be eliminated entirely. Abolish these burdensome regulations." Afterward, rumors spread that tigers had crossed together to the east of the Yangtze River. In Zhongyuan 1st year, there were many locusts in Shanyang, Chu, and Pei. When they flew to the border of Jiujiang, they would scatter east and west, and thus his reputation spread far and wide. Junqiu Xian had two mountains, Tang and Hou. The people jointly worshipped them, and the shamans then took boys and girls from among the commoners as public concubines, changing them every year. Eventually, the people dared not marry or wed; previous magistrates and county officials had all been too timid to forbid this practice. Jun then issued an order: "From now on, those who marry the mountain spirits should only take wives from shaman families; do not disturb innocent civilians." Thus, the practice was finally abolished.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
永平元年，遷東海相，在郡五年，坐法免官，客授潁川。而東海吏民思均恩化，為之作歌，詣闕乞還者數千人。顯宗以其能，七年，徵拜尚書令。每有駮議，多合上旨。均嘗刪翦疑事，帝以為有姦，大怒，收郎縛格之。諸尚書惶恐，皆叩頭謝罪。均顧厲色曰：「蓋忠臣執義，無有二心。若畏威失正，均雖死，不易志。」小黃門在傍，入具以聞。帝善其不撓，即令貰郎，遷均司隸校尉。數月，出為河內太守，政化大行。 |
| | In Yongping 1st year, he was transferred to serve as xiang of Donghai. After five years in the commandery, he was dismissed from office for violating the law and became a private tutor in Yingchuan. However, the officials and people of Donghai missed Jun's kindness and moral influence, composing songs in his honor. Thousands petitioned at court to request his return. Emperor Xianzong, recognizing his ability, summoned him in the seventh year and appointed him as Minister of the Secretariat. Whenever there were debates or objections, they often aligned with the emperor's intentions. Once, Jun deleted some doubtful matters from a document; the emperor suspected him of deceit and became very angry, ordering his subordinates to arrest and bind him. All the Secretariat officials were terrified and kowtowed in fear, offering apologies for their sins. Jun turned around with a stern expression and said: "A loyal minister upholds righteousness and has no divided heart. If one fears authority and loses integrity, even though I may die, I will not change my resolve." A junior palace official nearby entered the palace to report this in full. The emperor admired his unyielding spirit, immediately ordered the release of the official, and promoted Jun to Inspector General of the Imperial Guards. After several months, he was reassigned as governor of Hedong, where his administration and moral influence were widely effective.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
均常寢病，百姓耆老為禱請，旦夕問起居，其為民愛若此。以疾上書乞免，詔除子條為太子舍人。均自扶輿詣闕謝恩，帝使中黃門慰問，因留養疾。司徒缺，帝以均才任宰相，召入視其疾，令兩騶扶之。均拜謝曰：「天罰有罪，所苦浸篤，不復奉望帷幄！」因流涕而辭。帝甚傷之，召條扶侍均出，賜錢三十萬。 |
| | When Jun was often ill in bed, the elders of the people prayed for his recovery and asked about his well-being at dawn and dusk. The people loved him to this extent. Due to illness, Jun submitted a memorial requesting dismissal from office; the emperor issued an edict appointing his son Diao as a Shuren of the Crown Prince. Jun personally went to court in a palanquin to express gratitude; the emperor sent an imperial official to inquire after his condition and ordered him to remain for treatment. When a vacancy occurred in the position of Sutu, the emperor believed Jun's talent was suitable for a prime ministerial role and summoned him to inspect his illness, ordering two attendants to support him. Jun kowtowed and said: "Heaven punishes the guilty; my illness has worsened, and I can no longer serve in your imperial presence!" He wept as he took his leave. The emperor was deeply moved, summoned Diao to accompany and support Jun outside the palace, and bestowed 300,000 coins upon him.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
均性寬和，不喜文法，常以為吏能弘厚，雖貪汙放縱，猶無所害；至於苛察之人，身或廉法，而巧黠刻削，毒加百姓，災害流亡所由而作。及在尚書，恆欲叩頭爭之，以時方嚴切，故遂不敢陳。帝後聞其言而追悲之。建初元年，卒於家。族子意。 |
| | Jun was by nature broad-minded and gentle, disliking legalistic formalities. He often believed that if officials were capable and sincere, even if they were somewhat corrupt or indulgent, it would still cause no great harm; as for those who were harsh and overly meticulous, even if their personal conduct was upright and legalistic, they were often cunning and ruthless, inflicting harm on the common people, thus causing disasters and population displacement. When he was in the Secretariat, he often wanted to kowtow and argue against this policy; but because the times were strict and severe, he dared not present his views. The emperor later heard of his words and felt deep sorrow for him. In Jianchu 1st year, he died at home. His nephew Yi.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
意字伯志。父京，以大夏侯尚書教授，至遼東太守。意少傳父業，顯宗時舉孝廉，以召對合旨，擢拜阿陽侯相。建初中，徵為尚書。 |
| | Yi's courtesy name was Bozhi. His father, Fu Jing, served as a professor of the Daxiahou School and rose to become governor of Liaodong. Yi, from a young age, inherited his father's scholarly tradition. During the reign of Emperor Xianzong, he was recommended as filial and upright, and due to his satisfactory response during an imperial audience, he was promoted and appointed as xiang of Ayang Hou. In the Jianchu period, he was summoned to serve as a Secretary in the Secretariat.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
肅宗性寬仁，而親親之恩篤，故叔父濟南、中山二王每數入朝，特加恩寵，及諸昆弟並留京師，不遣就國。意以為人臣有節，不宜踰禮過恩，乃上疏諫曰：「陛下至孝烝烝，恩愛隆深，以濟南王康、中山王焉先帝昆弟，特蒙禮寵，聖情戀戀，不忍遠離，比年朝見，久留京師，崇以叔父之尊，同之家人之禮，車入殿門，即席不拜，分甘損膳，賞賜優渥。昔周公懷聖人之德，有致太平之功，然後王曰叔父，加以錫幣。今康、焉幸以支庶享食大國，陛下即位，蠲除前過，還所削黜，衍食它縣，男女少長，並受爵邑，恩寵踰制，禮敬過度。春秋之義，諸父昆弟無所不臣，所以尊尊卑卑，彊幹弱枝者也。陛下德業隆盛，當為萬世典法，不宜以私恩損上下之序，失君臣之正。又西平王羡等六王，皆妻子成家，官屬備其，當早就蕃國，為子孫基阯。而室第相望，久磐京邑，婚姻之盛，過於本朝，僕馬之眾，充塞城郭，驕奢僭擬，寵祿隆過。今諸國之封，並皆膏腴，風氣平調，道路夷近，朝聘有期，行來不難。宜割情不忍，以義斷恩，發遣康、焉各歸蕃國，令羡等速就便時，以塞眾望。」帝納之。 |
| | Emperor Suzong was by nature broad-minded and kind, with deep affection for his relatives. Therefore, his uncle, the kings of Jinan and Zhongshan, frequently visited court and received special favors; as well as their brothers, they were all kept in the capital city instead of being sent to govern their fiefs. Yi believed that as a subject, one must observe propriety and should not exceed the bounds of ritual or receive excessive favors. Thus he submitted a memorial to advise: "Your Majesty is most filial in your devotion, with profound affection and generous grace. Because Prince Kang of Jinan and Prince Yan of Zhongshan were uncles of the late emperor, they have been especially honored with ceremonial privileges. Your holy heart lingers with deep attachment, unwilling to part from them. In recent years, when these princes came to court for audiences, they remained in the capital for long periods. They are elevated to the status of an uncle, treated as family members, entering the palace without bowing upon arrival, sharing your food and delicacies, and receiving generous rewards and gifts. In the past, Duke of Zhou, with his virtue as a sage and meritorious service in bringing about peace and stability, was then addressed by the king as "uncle" and honored with gifts. Now, Prince Kang and Yan are fortunate to enjoy the revenues of a large fief despite being collateral descendants. Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have pardoned their past offenses, restored what had been taken from them, granted additional revenues from other counties, and bestowed titles and marquisates upon both young and old among their families. This favor exceeds established regulations, and such ceremonial respect is excessive. The principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals states that uncles, elder brothers, and younger brothers are all subjects. This is to uphold hierarchy by respecting those in higher positions and subordinating those below, thereby strengthening the central authority while weakening peripheral branches. Your Majesty's virtue and achievements are grand and flourishing, and you should set a model for all future generations. It is not appropriate to sacrifice the order of hierarchy or undermine proper relations between ruler and subject by showing private favors. Moreover, Prince Xian of Xiping and six other kings all have spouses and children who have formed their own families, with complete retinues. They should be sent to their fiefs at an early date in order to establish a foundation for their descendants. Yet their mansions are visible from one another, and they have long been settled in the capital. Their marriages are so numerous that they surpass those of the imperial court itself; their retinues and horses fill the city walls. They indulge in arrogance and extravagance, imitating the emperor's manner, with excessive honors and emoluments. Now, all the fiefs are rich in fertile land; their climates are mild and balanced, and their roads are level and nearby. There is a fixed schedule for court visits, and traveling to and from them is not difficult. Your Majesty should cut through sentiment with resolve, and use righteousness to sever undue affection. You should order Prince Kang and Yan to return immediately to their respective fiefs, and urge Prince Xian and others to depart at the earliest convenient time in order to satisfy public expectations." The emperor accepted his advice.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
章和二年，鮮卑擊破北匈奴，而南單于乘此請兵北伐，因欲還歸舊庭。時竇太后臨朝，議欲從之。意上疏曰：「夫戎狄之隔遠中國，幽處北極，界以沙漠，簡賤禮義，無有上下，彊者為雄，弱即屈服。自漢興以來，征伐數矣，其所剋獲，曾不補害。光武皇帝躬服金革之難，深昭天地之明，故因其來降，羈縻畜養，邊人得生，勞役休息，於茲四十餘年矣。今鮮卑奉順，斬獲萬數，中國坐享大功，而百姓不知其勞，漢興功烈，於斯為盛。所以然者，夷虜相攻，無損漢兵者也。臣察鮮卑侵伐匈奴，正是利其抄掠，及歸功聖朝，實由貪得重賞。今若聽南虜還都北庭，則不得不禁制鮮卑。鮮卑外失暴掠之願，內無功勞之賞，豺狼貪婪，必為邊患。今北虜西遁，請求和親，宜因其歸附，以為外扞，巍巍之業，無以過此。若引兵費賦，以順南虜，則坐失上略，去安即危矣。誠不可許。」會南單于竟不北徙。 |
| | In Zhanghe 2nd year, the Xianbei defeated the Northern Xiongnu. Taking advantage of this situation, the Southern Chanyu requested military forces to launch a northern campaign and expressed his desire to return to his former capital. At that time, Empress Dowager Dou was regent, and the court debated whether to agree with this request. Yi submitted a memorial stating: "The Rong and Di peoples, separated from the Central Kingdoms by great distances, dwell in remote northern regions. They are bounded by deserts, regard rites and righteousness as trivial, have no concept of hierarchy, and among them, strength determines dominance while weakness leads to submission. Since the Han dynasty's founding, we have launched many military campaigns against them; yet what we have gained in conquest has never compensated for the harm caused. Emperor Guangwu, having personally endured the hardships of war, demonstrated profound wisdom in accordance with heaven and earth. Therefore, he accepted their surrender and adopted a policy of containment through patronage, allowing border people to live in peace without labor or military service for over forty years now. Now the Xianbei have submitted in loyalty, achieving thousands of enemy heads; China has reaped great success without effort, and its people are unaware of any toil. Since the Han dynasty's founding, no achievement surpasses this in glory. The reason for this is that these barbarian tribes attacking each other have caused no harm to Han forces. I observe that the Xianbei's attacks on the Xiongnu are motivated by a desire to plunder their riches, and their attribution of credit to Your Majesty's court is in fact driven by greed for generous rewards. If we now allow the southern barbarians to return their capital to the northern region, then we will inevitably have to restrain the Xianbei. The Xianbei would lose their opportunity for plunder externally and receive no rewards for military service internally. These greedy wolves will inevitably become a border threat. Now that the northern barbarians have fled westward and requested peace, we should take advantage of their submission to use them as an outer defense. This would be a great achievement without equal. If we mobilize troops and expend resources to comply with the southern barbarians, we will lose this superior strategy and trade safety for danger. This truly cannot be permitted." Coincidentally, the Southern Chanyu ultimately did not move north.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
遷司隸校尉。永元初，大將軍竇憲兄弟貴盛，步兵校尉鄧疊、河南尹王調、故蜀郡太守廉范等群黨，出入憲門，負埶放縱。意隨違舉奏，無所回避，由是與竇氏有隙。二年，病卒。 |
| | He was promoted to Inspector General of the Imperial Guard. In the early Yongyuan period, General-in-Chief Dou Xian and his brothers were powerful and influential. The infantry commander Deng Die, the governor of Henan, Wang Diao, former governor of Shu Jun, Lian Fan, and other members of their faction frequently entered and exited Dou's residence,恃仗 power and acting recklessly. Yi followed regulations by reporting these violations without hesitation or avoidance; thus, he became at odds with the Dou family. In the second year, he died of illness.
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孫俱，靈帝時為司空。 |
| | His grandson, Ju, served as Sikong during the reign of Emperor Ling.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
寒朗字伯奇，魯國薛人也。生三日，遭天下亂，棄之荊棘；數日兵解，母往視，猶尚氣息，遂收養之。及長，好經學，博通書傳，以尚書教授。舉孝廉。 |
| | Han Lang, courtesy name Boqi, was a native of Xue, Lu Guo. Three days after he was born, he encountered chaos in the world and was abandoned among thorns; After several days of warfare subsided, his mother went to look for him and found that he still had breath, so she took him in and raised him. When he grew up, he loved Confucian classics, was broadly knowledgeable about books and historical records, and taught the Book of Documents (Shangshu). He was recommended as filial and upright.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
永平中，以謁者守侍御史。與三府掾屬共考案楚獄顏忠、王平等，辭連及隧鄉侯耿建、朗陵侯臧信、護澤侯鄧鯉、曲成侯劉建。建等辭未嘗與忠、平相見。是時顯宗怒甚，吏皆惶恐，諸所連及，率一切陷入，無敢以情恕者。朗心傷其冤，試以建等物色獨問忠、平，而二人錯龙不能對。朗知其詐，乃上言建等無姦，專為忠、平所誣，疑天下無辜類多如此。帝乃召朗入，問曰：「建等即如是，忠、平何故引之？」朗對曰：「忠、平自知所犯不道，故多有虛引，冀以自明。」帝曰：「即如是，四侯無事，何不早奏，獄竟而久繫至今邪？」朗對曰：「臣雖考之無事，然恐海內別有發其姦者，故未敢時上。」帝怒罵曰：「吏持兩端，促提下。」左右方引去，朗曰：「願一言而死。小臣不敢欺，欲助國耳。」帝問曰：「誰與共為章？」對曰：「臣自知當必族滅，不敢多污染人，誠冀陛下一覺悟而已。臣見考囚在事者，咸共言妖惡大故，臣子所宜同疾，今出之不如入之，可無後責。是以考一連十，考十連百。又公卿朝會，陛下問以得失，皆長跪言，舊制大罪禍及九族，陛下大恩，裁止於身，天下幸甚。及其歸舍，口雖不言，而仰屋竊歎，莫不知其多冤，無敢啎陛下者。臣今所陳，誠死無悔。」帝意解，詔遣朗出。後二日，車駕自幸洛陽獄錄囚徒，理出千餘人。後平、忠死獄中，朗乃自繫。會赦，免官。復舉孝廉。 |
| | In the middle of the Yongping period, he served as a Shou Shiyushi under the title of Yezhe. He worked together with officials from the three departments to investigate and examine the case of Yan Zhong, Wang Ping, and others in the Chu prison; their confessions implicated Duke Geng Jian of Suixiang Hou, Marquis Zang Xin of Langling Hou, Marquis Deng Li of Huzhe Hou, and Marquis Liu Jian of Qucheng Hou. Jian and others denied having ever met Zhong or Ping. At that time, Emperor Xianzong was extremely angry; the officials were all terrified. Those implicated in the case were generally condemned without exception, and no one dared to show leniency based on the facts. Lang was deeply moved by their injustice, and tested Zhong and Ping by asking them alone about the physical descriptions of Jian and others. However, both were confused and unable to respond properly. Lang realized they were lying, so he submitted a report stating that Jian and others had no guilt but had been falsely accused by Zhong and Ping. He suspected that many innocent people across the empire were similarly wronged. The emperor then summoned Lang in and asked, "If Jian and others are indeed innocent, why did Zhong and Ping implicate them?" Lang replied: "Zhong and Ping themselves know their crimes are heinous, so they made many false accusations in the hope of clearing themselves." The emperor said: "If that is so, then these four marquises are innocent. Why were they not reported earlier? Why have they been detained for such a long time after the case was concluded?" Lang replied: "Although I have examined them and found no guilt, I feared there might be others within the empire who would expose their innocence. Therefore, I dared not report it immediately." The emperor angrily scolded: "This official is indecisive and holding both sides; quickly drag him down!" As the attendants were about to lead him away, Lang said: "I wish to speak one last word before I die. "I dare not deceive, my only intention is to assist the state." The emperor asked: "Who else helped you draft this memorial?" He replied: "I know that I will certainly be executed and my family exterminated, so I dared not involve many others. My only hope was that Your Majesty might become aware of the truth." I observed those who examined the prisoners, and they all claimed that these were great crimes of sorcery, which should be universally condemned by subjects. Now releasing them is worse than keeping them in custody, as it may invite future blame. Therefore, examining one case leads to ten more, and examining ten cases leads to a hundred. Moreover, when the high officials and ministers attend court meetings, Your Majesty asks them about gains and losses. They all kneel long and say: "According to old regulations, great crimes bring disaster upon nine generations of relatives; but with Your Majesty's great grace, punishment is limited only to the individual himself—this is a blessing for the empire." Yet when they return to their homes, though their mouths remain silent, they secretly sigh while looking at the ceiling; no one is unaware of how many innocent people have been wronged, yet none dare defy Your Majesty. What I present to you now, I do so with full sincerity and would die without regret." The emperor's anger subsided and issued an edict ordering Lang released. Two days later, the imperial procession personally visited the Luoyang prison to review prisoners and freed over a thousand people. Later, Ping and Zhong died in prison, so Lang voluntarily bound himself up as well. He was later pardoned during a general amnesty but was dismissed from office. He was again recommended as an Xiaolian (filial and upright official).
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
建初中，肅宗大會群臣，朗前謝恩，詔以朗納忠先帝，拜為易長。歲餘，遷濟陽令，以母喪去官，百姓追思之。章和元年，上行東巡狩，過濟陽，三老吏人上書陳朗前政治狀。帝至梁，召見朗，詔三府為辟首，由是辟司徒府。永元中，再遷清河太守。坐法免。 |
| | During the Jianchu period, Emperor Zhang held a grand assembly of his ministers. Lang stepped forward to express gratitude for their grace, and was ordered by edict—since he had submitted loyal advice during the reign of the late emperor—to be appointed as the magistrate of Yi. After more than a year, he was promoted to magistracy of Jiyang, but resigned from office due to his mother's death. The local people deeply missed and remembered him. In the first year of Zhanghe, the emperor made an eastern tour, passing through Jiyang. The local elders and officials submitted a memorial describing Lang's previous administration and achievements. When the emperor arrived at Liang, he summoned Lang for an audience and issued an edict appointing him as a top official recommended by the Three Departments. Thus, Lang was appointed to the Office of the Grand Tutor (Situ Fu). During the Yongyuan period, he was promoted twice and became governor of Qinghe. He was dismissed from office for violating the law.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
永初三年，太尉張禹薦朗為博士，徵詣公車，會卒，時年八十四。 |
| | In the third year of Yongchu, Taiwei Zhang Yu recommended Lang as a Doctor (Boshi), and he was summoned to Gongche. However, he died before arriving, at the age of eighty-four.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
論曰：左丘明有言：「仁人之言，其利博哉！」晏子一言，齊侯省刑。若鍾離意之就格請過，寒朗之廷爭冤獄，篤矣乎，仁者之情也！夫正直本於忠誠則不詭，本於諫爭則絞切。彼二子之所本得乎天，故言信而志行也。 |
| | Commentary: Zuo Qiuming once said, "The words of a benevolent person bring great benefit!" One word from Yanzi caused Duke Qi to reduce punishments. If Zhongli Yi's request for correction of his faults, and Han Lang's courtly defense against wrongful imprisonment are any indication, how sincere indeed is the compassion of a benevolent person! Uprightness rooted in loyalty does not become devious; uprightness rooted in remonstration becomes earnest and urgent. These two men derived their principles from Heaven itself, hence their words were trustworthy and their aspirations put into action.
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| | 第五鍾離... : |
贊曰：伯魚、子阿，矯急去苛。臨官以絜，匡帝以奢。宋均達政，禁此妖禜。禽蟲畏德，子民請病。意明尊尊，割恩蕃屏。惵惵楚黎，寒君為命。 |
| | Eulogy: Boyu and Zi A, correcting urgency by removing severity. Upholding office with integrity, advising the emperor against extravagance. Song Jun understood governance and prohibited these superstitious rituals. Beasts and insects feared virtue, while the people pleaded for relief from suffering. Yi clearly understood respect for hierarchy, cutting off favoritism to strengthen the imperial household. The timid people of Chu, Han Jun gave his life for them.
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