Chinese Translations

Xiahou Dun

Xiahou Dun, styled Yuanrang, was from Qiao, Pei Commandery, and was Xiahou Ying's descendant. When he was 14, he was under a teacher, and someone had insulted the teacher. [Xiahou] Dun killed him, and from this, his fierceness became known. When the Grand Progenitor began to raise [troops], [Xiahou] Dun accompanied him as an Assistant General, following in his expeditions. When the Grand Progenitor was made General who Projects Might, he made [Xiahou] Dun a Major, and had him garrison at Baima. He later relocated to be (zhechongxiaowei) and concurrently Grand Admistrator of Dong Commanery. When the Grand Progenitor launched an expedition against Tao Qian, he had [Xiahou] Dun guard Puyang.

夏侯惇字元讓，沛國譙人，夏侯嬰之後也。年十四，就師學，人有辱其師者，惇殺之，由是以烈氣聞。太祖初起，惇常為裨將，從征伐。太祖行奮武將軍，以惇為司馬，別屯白馬，遷折衝校尉，領東郡太守。太祖征陶謙，留惇守濮陽。

When Zhang Miao rebelled in favor of Lü Bu, the Grand Progenitor's family was in Juancheng. [Xiahou] Dun rushed his army over there; along the way, they encountered [Lü] Bu and fought each other. [Lü] Bu withdrew and entered Puyang, seizing [Xiahou] Dun's army's supplies. They sent generals pretending to surrender; together, they captured [Xiahou] Dun, and demanded valuable objects. [Xiahou] Dun's army was shocked and fearful. [Xiahou] Dun's general, Han Hao, led the army to guard the gates of [Xiahou] Dun's camp. He summoned his officers and generals, and all [were told] to have their soldier remain in their sections and not to act. The camp then was settled. He thus went to [Xiahou] Dun's location, and scolded the hostage takers, saying, "You are all rebellious traitors, but to dare take hostage a great general, do you think you will live! Moreover, I have received orders to destroy traitors. Should I leave you be because of just one general?" He thence cried and said to [Xiahou] Dun, "What else can I do under the national law!" He quickly summoned his soldiers to attack the hostage takers. The hostage takers were fear-stricken and kowtowed, saying, "We just wanted to ask for money to use and leave, nothing more!" [Han] Hao rebuked them and all were beheaded. [Xiahou] Dun was then released. When the Grand Progenitor heard of this, he told [Han] Hao, "Sir, what you did should be a law for thousands of generations." He thus ordered that from here on, should there be future hostage takers, they would all be attacked, and not consider the hostage. Ever since, the [occurrence of] hostages were thus ended.[1]

張邈叛迎呂布，太祖家在鄄城，惇輕軍往赴，適與布會，交戰。布退還，遂入濮陽，襲得惇軍輜重。遣將偽降，共執持惇，責以寶貨，惇軍中震恐。惇將韓浩乃勒兵屯惇營門，召軍吏諸將，皆案甲當部不得動，諸營乃定。遂詣惇所，叱持質者曰：「汝等凶逆，乃敢執劫大將軍，復欲望生邪！且吾受命討賊，寧能以一將軍之故，而縱汝乎？」因涕泣謂惇曰：「當柰國法何！」促召兵擊持質者。持質者惶遽叩頭，言「我但欲乞資用去耳」！浩數責，皆斬之。惇旣免，太祖聞之，謂浩曰：「卿此可為萬世法。」乃著令，自今已後有持質者，皆當并擊，勿顧質。由是劫質者遂絕。〔一〕

〔一〕Sun Sheng states: I note that in the Annals of the Guangwu [Emperor], in the 9th year of the Jianwu era, bandits kidnapped Lady Yin's younger brother, and officials did not [account] the hostages as to punish the bandits. The bandits thus killed [the brother]. Such was a joint attack, an ancient system. From [Emperors] An, Shun, and since, the government was in decline, and hostages did not exclude princes and dukes. Among the officials, none could follow the national law, so when [Han] Hao previously beheaded [the hostage takers], this [gained] the Martial [Emperor] of Wu's praise.

〔一〕孫盛曰：案《光武紀》，建武九年，盜劫陰貴人母弟，吏以不得拘質迫盜，盜遂殺之也。然則合擊者，乃古制也。自安、順已降，政教陵遲，劫質不避王公，而有司莫能遵奉國憲者，浩始復斬之，故魏武嘉焉。

When the Grand Progenitor returned from Xu Province, [Xiahou] Dun followed on the expedition against Lü Bu, and was injured in his left eye by a flying arrow.[1] He again led Chenliu and Jiyin as Grand Adminstrators, and also becoming General who Builds Strength and enfeoffed as Marquis of Gao'an Township. At the time, there was a severe drought. Locusts began to rise, so [Xiahou] Dun severed the Taishou River to make a reservoir, and personally carried soil [to aid]. He ordered his generals to work and planted rice, and the people depended on this to benefit. [Xiahou Dun] was transferred to be Intendant of Henan. When the Grand Progenitor pacified Hebei, [Xiahou Dun] remained behind because of the Generalissimo [Yuan Shao]. When Ye fell, [Xiahou Dun] was made General who Soothes Waves, and in leading as Intendant as before, he was let to do matters accordingly, never restricted by laws or rules.

太祖自徐州還，惇從征呂布，為流矢所中，傷左目。〔一〕復領陳留、濟陰太守，加建武將軍，封高安鄉侯。時大旱，蝗蟲起，惇乃斷太壽水作陂，身自負土，率將士勸種稻，民賴其利。轉領河南尹。太祖平河北，為大將軍後拒。鄴破，遷伏波將軍，領尹如故，使得以便宜從事，不拘科制。

〔一〕The Summary of Wei states: At the time, when Xiahou Yuan and [Xiahou] Dun were both generals, the army nicknamed [Xiahou] Dun the Blind Xiahou. [Xiahou] Dun hated that, and each time he saw a mirror, he would become furious and would always hit the mirror into the ground.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：時夏侯淵與惇俱為將軍，軍中號惇為盲夏侯。惇惡之，每照鏡，恚怒，輒撲鏡於地。

In the 12th year of the Jian'an era, with [Xiahou] Dun's overall achievements, his fief was further expanded with 1,800 households, overall being 2,500 households.

In the 21st year, [Xiahou Dun] followed in the expedition against Sun Quan and returned. [Xiahou] Dun was made to command 26 armies, remaining at Juchao. He was gifted talented dancers. The order stated, "Wei Jiang had the achievement of being in harmony with the barbarians, thus being sung of with bells and chimes, [but how can this] compare with you?"

In the 24th year, the Grand Progenitor's army was at Mopi and summoned [Xiahou] Dun to constantly be in the same vehicle. His treatment was extremely favorable, and he could leave or enter the bedroom [of the Grand Progenitor]. Other generals could never be comparable. [Xiahou Dun] was made General of the Front,[1] and led his army back to Shouchun, then garrisoned at Shaoling. When the Civil Emperor became King, he made [Xiahou] Dun Generalissimo. Several months after, [Xiahou Dun] died.

建安十二年，錄惇前後功，增封邑千八百戶，并前二千五百戶。二十一年，從征孫權還，使惇都督二十六軍，留居巢。賜伎樂名倡，令曰：「魏絳以和戎之功，猶受金石之樂，況將軍乎！」二十四年，太祖軍於摩陂，召惇常與同載，特見親重，出入卧內，諸將莫得比也。拜前將軍，〔二〕督諸軍還壽春，徙屯召陵。文帝即王位，拜惇大將軍，數月薨。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: At the time, when many generals received offices and titles of Wei, [Xiahou] Dun only had a Han office, and thus petitioned and stated that he was inappropriate by not being a subject [to Wei] in his rites. The Grand Progenitor said, "I have heard that the greatest [relations for a ruler] are subjects that are teachers, and then subjects that are friends. A subject is a noble and virtuous person. For this petty Wei, how is it enough for you to bend yourself to me?" [Xiahou] Dun persisted, and thus was made General of the Front.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：時諸將皆受魏官號，惇獨漢官，乃上疏自陳不當不臣之禮。太祖曰：「吾聞太上師臣，其次友臣。夫臣者，貴德之人也，區區之魏，而臣足以屈君乎？」惇固請，乃拜為前將軍。

Descendants

Although [Xiahou] Dun was in the military, he personally welcomed teachers to receive their knowledge. By nature, he was honest and frugal; in having surplus money, he would always donate it. When having not enough money, he received from his office, and nor did he manage his properties and business. His posthumous title was the Loyal Marquis, and his son, [Xiahou] Chong, succeeded him. The Emperor remembered [Xiahou] Dun's merits, and thus wanted to have his sons and grandsons all be marquises. He divided 1,000 households from [Xiahou] Dun's fief and gifted it to seven sons and two grandsons to be enfeoffed, and all would be Marquises within the Passes. [Xiahou] Dun's younger brother, [Xiahou] Lian, and his son, [Xiahou] Mao, would eventually be ranked marquises. Previously, the Grand Progenitor had his daughter marry [Xiahou] Mao; she was the Princess of Qinghe. [Xiahou] Mao would become Palace Attendant, Secretariat, and General who Pacifies the West and Guards the East, with acting tally.[1] When [Xiahou] Chong died, his son, [Xiahou] Yi, succeeded him. When [Xiahou] Yi died, his son, [Xiahou] Shao, succeeded him.[2]

惇雖在軍旅，親迎師受業。性清儉，有餘財輒以分施，不足資之於官，不治產業。謚曰忠侯。子充嗣。帝追思惇功，欲使子孫畢侯，分惇邑千戶，賜惇七子二孫爵皆關內侯。惇弟廉及子楙素自封列侯。初，太祖以女妻楙，即清河公主也。楙歷位侍中尚書、安西鎮東將軍，假節。〔一〕充薨，子廙嗣。廙薨，子劭嗣。〔二〕

〔一〕The Summary of Wei states: [Xiahou] Mao, styled Zilin, was [Xiahou] Dun's son. When the Civil Emperor was young, he and [Xiahou] Mao were close, so when he was enthroned, he made [Xiahou Mao] General who Pacifies the West, and imperial tally [to travel without needing permission], succeeding Xiahou Yuan's command of Guanzhong. [Xiahou] Mao, by nature, had no military nor strategic [ability], but was good in family business. Until the 2nd year of the Taihe era, when the Bright Emperor [Cao Rui] was in a western expedition, people had accusations regarding [Xiahou] Mao, and thus [the Emperor] recalled [Xiahou Mao] to become Secretariat. When [Xiahou] Mao was in the west, he often collected female performers and concubines, and from this, the Princess [of Qinghe] and [Xiahou] Mao were not in peace. Later, his younger brothers were not respectful of the rites and rules, so [Xiahou] Mao often reprimanded them. They feared his discipline, and thus together lied about [Xiahou] Mao to defame him, having the Princess petition such. An edict arrested [Xiahou] Mao. The Emperor wanted to kill him, but asked the Colonel of Changshui; Duan Mo of Jingzhao. [Duan] Mo believed, "This certainly comes from the Princess of Qinghe and [Xiahou] Mao being unfriendly, so she slandered and lied about him. She hopes you will not investigate her real [intentions], that is all. Moreover, [the General who] Soothes Waves [Xiahou Dun] and the Former Emperor had the merit of stabilizing the realm. You must reconsider thrice." The Emperor now understood, and he said, "I also thought such." He thus released an edict, investigating why the Princess wrote the petition. It turned out it was [Xiahou Mao's] younger brothers, [Xiahou] Zizang and [Xiahou] Zijiang, who lied about him.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：楙字子林，惇中子也。文帝少與楙親，及即位，以為安西將軍、持節，承夏侯淵處都督關中。楙性無武略，而好治生。至太和二年，明帝西征，人有白楙者，遂召還為尚書。楙在西時，多畜伎妾，公主由此與楙不和。其後羣弟不遵禮度，楙數切責，弟懼見治，乃共構楙以誹謗，令主奏之，有詔收楙。帝意欲殺之，以問長水校尉京兆段默，默以為「此必清河公主與楙不睦，出於譖構，兾不推實耳。且伏波與先帝有定天下之功，宜加三思」。帝意解，曰：「吾亦以為然。」乃發詔推問為公主作表者，果其羣弟子臧、子江所構也。

〔二〕The Jinyangqiu states: In the 2nd year of the Taishi era, the Marquis of Gao'an Township; Xiahou Zuo died. He was [Xiahou] Dun's grandson, and the succession died out. An edict said, "[Xiahou] Dun had foremost merits for Wei, it being recorded on bamboo and silk. Of old, Tingjian had no worship nor sacrifices, yet some lamented this. Moreover, we, having received the abdication of Wei, might forget such glorious officials. We feel obligated to select one of [Xiahou] Dun's close kin, [Xiahou] Shao, to the fief."

〔二〕《晉陽秋》曰：泰始二年，高安鄉侯夏侯佐卒，惇之孫也，嗣絕。詔曰：「惇，魏之元功，勳書竹帛。昔庭堅不崇拜，猶或哀之，況朕宜受禪於魏，而可以忘其功臣哉！宜擇惇近屬劭封之。」

Han Hao & Shi Huan

Han Hao was from Henei. Shi Huan of Pei Commandery and Hao were both known for their outstanding loyalty and bravery. [Han] Hao would become Protector of the Central Army; [Shi] Huan would become Leader of the Central Army. Both led the palace soldiers and were enfeoffed as marquises.

韓浩者，河內人，及沛國史渙與浩，俱以忠勇顯。浩至中護軍，渙至中領軍，皆掌禁兵，封列侯。〔一〕

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: Han Hao was styled Yuansi. During the end of the Han, there were many rebellions. [Han Hao's] county had deep mountains with many bandits. [Han] Hao assembled a following army to be the counties' protectors. The Grand Adminstrator; Wang Kuang made [Han Hao] a clerk, and had him lead troops to oppose Dong Zhuo at Meng Ford. At the time, [Han] Hao's maternal uncle, Du Yang, was Prefect of Heyin, so [Dong] Zhuo seized him and sent to summon [Han] Hao, but [Han] Hao did not listen. Yuan Shu heard such and admired him, so he made [Han Hao]( qiduwei). Xiahou Dun heard of his reputation and invited him to meet together. [Xiahou Dun] was greatly surprised by him and had him lead troops to follow on his expeditions and conquests. At the time, there was a great discussion about losses and gains, so [Han] Hao used that to promote the fields. The Grand Progenitor liked such, and made [Han Hao] Protector of the Army.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：韓浩字元嗣。漢末起兵，縣近山藪，多寇，浩聚徒衆為縣藩衞。太守王匡以為從事，將兵拒董卓於盟津。時浩舅杜陽為河陰令，卓執之，使招浩，浩不從。袁術聞而壯之，以為騎都尉。夏侯惇聞其名，請與相見，大奇之，使領兵從征伐。時大議損益，浩以為當急田。太祖善之，遷護軍。

When the Grand Progenitor wanted to invade Liucheng, a Leader of the Army; Shi Huan considered the roads too far and entering too deep, and did not complete the plans, and wanted to have [Han] Hao together admonish such. [Han] Hao said, "As of now, our troop strength is powerful and great, and our might fills the four seas. In battle, we win; in attacking, we seize. Nothing cannot be with our will. If we do not use this time to thus eliminate the realm of a scourge, there will be later troubles. Furthermore, our Lord is divine in strength. He would act without making miscalculations. Me and you, sir, are commanders of the Central Army, so it is inappropriate for me to stop the army." He thus followed to defeat Liucheng, and his rank was switched to Central Protector of the Army, and becoming a senior secretary and major. He followed to invade Zhang Lu; [Zhang] Lu surrendered. Advisers reasoned [Han] Hao's wisdom and strategies would be enough to stabilize the frontier, so they wanted him to be sent as Commander of Various Armies and guard Hanzhong. The Grand Progenitor said, "How I can be without the Protector of the Army?" Thus they returned. Their closeness and trust were like this. When he died, the Grand Progenitor was extremely mournful by it. He had no sons, so his adopted son, [Han] Rong, succeeded him.

太祖欲討柳城，領軍史渙以為道遠深入，非完計也，欲與浩共諫。浩曰：「今兵勢彊盛，威加四海，戰勝攻取，無不如志，不以此時遂除天下之患，將為後憂。且公神武，舉無遺策，吾與君為中軍主，不宜沮衆。」遂從破柳城，改其官為中護軍，置長史、司馬。從討張魯，魯降。議者以浩智略足以綏邊，欲留使都督諸軍，鎮漢中。太祖曰：「吾安可以無護軍？」乃與俱還。其見親任如此。及薨，太祖愍惜之。無子，以養子榮嗣。

Shi Huan was styled Gongliu. When he was young, he was chivalrous and possessed a heroic spirit. When the Grand Progenitor raised troops, [Shi Huan] followed as a retainer and became Colonel of the Central Army, following in the expeditons and conquests, and often supervising generals. He was close and trusted [by the Grand Progenitor], and he switched to become (zhonglingjun). In the 14th year [of the Jian'an era], he died, and his son, [Shi] Jing, succeeded him.

史渙字公劉。少任俠，有雄氣。太祖初起，以客從，行中軍校尉，從征伐，常監諸將，見親信，轉拜中領軍。十四年薨。子靜嗣。

Xiahou Yuan

Xiahou Yuan, styled Miaocai, was [Xiahou] Dun's younger kinsman. When the Grand Progenitor was in his hometown, he once had an issue with the country officials, but [Xiahou] Yuan replaced him [in facing] the heavy charges. The Grand Progenitor rescued him, and he avoided [disaster]. When the Grand Progenitor raised troops, he had [Xiahou Yuan] be a Major with Separate Command and Commandant of Cavalry to follow him. [Xiahou Yuan] was relocated to be Grand Administrator of Chenliu and Yingchuan. Eventually, when [the Grand Progenitor] and Yuan Shao fought at Guandu, [Xiahou Yuan] was made Colonel who Supervises the Army. When Shao was defeated, [Xiahou Yuan] was made to oversee Yan, Yu, and Xu Provinces' food supplies. At the time, the army's provisions were low, but as [Xiahou] Yuan sent food continuously, the army was renewed in might. When Chang Xi rebelled, [the Grand Progenitor] sent Yu Jin to attack him, and when he could not defeat [Chang Xi], he also sent Yuan to merge with [Yu] Jin's strength. They thus attacked [Chang] Xi, subduing over ten garrisons. [Chang] Xi would surrender to [Yu] Jin. When [Xiahou] Yuan returned, he was made Colonel who Arranges the Army. The Yellows Turbans in Jinan and Le'an, Xu He and Sima Ju, attacked cities, and killed high-ranking officials. [Xiahou] Yuan led Taishan, Qi, and Pingyuan Commanderies' troops to attack, crushing them. He beheaded [Xu] He and pacified the various counties. He took their supplies and gave them to his armies.

夏侯淵字妙才，惇族弟也。太祖居家，曾有縣官事，淵代引重罪，太祖營救之，得免。〔一〕太祖起兵，以別部司馬、騎都尉從，遷陳留、潁川太守。及與袁紹戰於官渡，行督軍校尉。紹破，使督兖、豫、徐州軍糧；時軍食少，淵傳饋相繼，軍以復振。昌狶反，遣于禁擊之，未拔，復遣淵與禁并力，遂擊狶，降其十餘屯，狶詣禁降。淵還，拜典軍校尉。〔二〕濟南、樂安黃巾徐和、司馬俱等攻城，殺長吏，淵將泰山、齊、平原郡兵擊，大破之，斬和，平諸縣，收其糧穀以給軍士。

〔一〕The Summary of Wei states: At the time, Yan and Yu [Provinces] were in great disorder. Because [Xiahou] Yuan was starving, he expelled his youngest son in order to support his dead younger brother's orphaned daughter.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：時兖、豫大亂，淵以饑乏，棄其幼子，而活亡弟孤女。

〔二〕The Book of Wei states: When [Xiahou] Yuan was a General, his pace was extremely hasty, and often fought the enemy at unexpected [times], so his army had a saying about him. "The Colonel who Arranges the Army; Xiahou Yuan in three days can travel 500 [li]; in six days can travel 1,000 [li]."

〔二〕《魏書》曰：淵為將，赴急疾，常出敵之不意，故軍中為之語曰：「典軍校尉夏侯淵，三日五百，六日一千。」

In the 14th year, [Xiahou] Yuan was made acting Leader of the Army. When the Grand Progenitor went on an expedition against Sun Quan and returned, he had Yuan supervise various generals into attacking a rebel in Lujiang, Lei Xu. When [Lei] Xu was defeated, [Xiahou Yuan] was also made Protector of the Army who Conquers the West. He supervised Xu Huang's attack on Taiyuan rebels, attacking and taking over 20 garrisons. They beheaded the rebel leader, Shang Yao, and massacred the cities. He followed on the expedition against Han Sui and others, and fought at Weinan. He also supervised Zhu Ling in pacifying Yumi and the Qian tribes. He and the Grand Progenitor met in Anding and subdued Yang Qiu.

十四年，以淵為行領軍。太祖征孫權還，使淵督諸將擊廬江叛者雷緒，緒破，又行征西護軍，督徐晃擊太原賊，攻下二十餘屯，斬賊帥商曜，屠其城。從征韓遂等，戰於渭南。又督朱靈平隃糜、汧氐。與太祖會安定，降楊秋。

In the 17th year, the Grand Progenitor thus returned to Ye, and had [Xiahou] Yuan become General who Protects the Army, supervising Zhu Ling, Lu Zhao, and others' defense at Chang'an, attacking and defeating a rebel in Nanshan, Liu Xiong, who surrendered to their army. They besieged [Han] Sui, [Ma] Chao, and remaining confederate Liang Xing at Hu; [Yuan] captured it and beheaded [Liang] Xing. He was enfeoffed as Marquis of Bochang District. Ma Chao besieged the Inspector of Liang Province; Wei Kang at Ji, so [Xiahou] Yuan [went] to rescue Kang. He had not arrived when [Xiahou] Kang was defeated. [Yuan] was over 200 li from Ji, but [Ma] Chao came and fought. [Yuan's] army was at the disadvantage. The Qian tribes [also] revolted, so [Xiahou] Yuan led his army to withdraw.

十七年，太祖乃還鄴，以淵行護軍將軍，督朱靈、路招等屯長安，擊破南山賊劉雄，降其衆。圍遂、超餘黨梁興於鄠，拔之，斬興，封博昌亭侯。馬超圍涼州刺史韋康於冀，淵救康，未到，康敗。去冀二百餘里，超來逆戰，軍不利。汧氐反，淵引軍還。

In the 19th year, Zhao Qu and Yin Feng plotted to suppress [Ma] Chao, and Jiang Xu raised troops at Lucheng as to respond. [Zhao] Qu and the others deceived [Ma] Chao, having him go out and attack [Jiang] Xu, while within they exterminated [Ma] Chao's wife and son(s). [Ma] Chao fled to Hanzhong and then returned to besiege Mount Qi. [Jiang] Xu and the others urgently asked for assistance. Various generals that discussed wanted to have the Grand Progenitor dispatch an amount [of troops], but [Xiahou] Yuan said, "The Excellency is in Ye. The distance to and back is 4,000 li. When we get his report, Xu and the others will surely be defeated. This is not [the way] to rescue those in emergency." Thus they acted. They sent Zhang He to command 5,000 infantry and cavalry at the front, and from Chencang's narrow passes, they entered, and [Xiahou] Yuan himself supervised the supplies in the rear. When [Zhang] He was at the banks of the Wei River, [Ma] Chao led over 1,000 Di and Qiang to resist He. They had not fought when [Ma] Chao fled, and [Zhang] He thus had his army collect [Ma] Chao's army weapons. When [Xiahou] Yuan arrived, the counties had all already surrendered.

十九年，趙衢、尹奉等謀討超，姜叙起兵鹵城以應之。衢等譎說超，使出擊叙，於後盡殺超妻子。超奔漢中，還圍祁山。叙等急求救，諸將議者欲須太祖節度。淵曰：「公在鄴，反覆四千里，比報，叙等必敗，非救急也。」遂行，使張郃督步騎五千在前，從陳倉狹道入，淵自督糧在後。郃至渭水上，超將氐羌數千逆郃。未戰，超走，郃進軍收超軍器械。淵到，諸縣皆已降。

Han Sui was at Xianqin, so [Xiahou] Yuan wanted to attack and seize it. [Han] Sui fled. [Xiahou] Yuan seized [Han] Sui's army supplies, and pursued to Lüeyang City, away from [Han] Sui by over 20 li. The various generals wanted to attack him, but some said to attack the Di of Xingguo. [Xiahou] Yuan thought that [Han] Sui's troops were elite, and Xingguo City was strong, so attacking would not have the soldiers capture it. It was not as good as attacking the various Qiang of Changli. The Qiang of Changli were many in [Han] Sui's army, so they would certainly return to save their homes. If they abandoned the Qiang, they would be alone in defending and thus be isolated. Saving Changli would have the officials and soldiers go into a field battle, and they would certainly be captured. [Xiahou] Yuan thus had senior generals remain to guard the supplies, while his light army of infantry and cavalry arrived at Changli, attacked and burned the Qiang garrison, beheading or capturing many. The various Qiang in Sui's army all wanted to return to their ethnic tribes. [Han] Sui really did reinforce Changli, and with [Xiahou] Yuan's army faced in battle. When the various generals saw [Han] Sui's army, they feared it, and wanted to make camp as to entrench for a battle. [Xiahou] Yuan said, "We have turned and struggled over 1,000 li. Now if we make camp to entrench, we would exhaust our power, unable to persist. Although the enemies are many, we can easily challenge them, that's all." They thus drummed at them, greatly defeating [Han] Sui's army, and getting the chief banner. They returned to Lüeyang, and their army sieged Xingguo. The Di King; Qianwan fled to Ma Chao, and the remaining ones surrendered. They turned to attack the Gaoping and Tuge tribes; all were scattered and fled, and seizing their supplies, grain, oxen, and horses. Therefore, [Xiahou] Yuan [was given] acting tally.

韓遂在顯親，淵欲襲取之，遂走。淵收遂軍糧，追至略陽城，去遂二十餘里，諸將欲攻之，或言當攻興國氐。淵以為遂兵精，興國城固，攻不可卒拔，不如擊長離諸羌。長離諸羌多在遂軍，必歸救其家。若捨羌獨守則孤，救長離則官兵得與野戰，可必虜也。淵乃留督將守輜重，輕兵步騎到長離，攻燒羌屯，斬獲甚衆。諸羌在遂軍者，各還種落。遂果救長離，與淵軍對陣。諸將見遂衆，惡之，欲結營作塹乃與戰。淵曰：「我轉鬬千里，今復作營塹，則士衆罷弊，不可久。賊雖衆，易與耳。」乃鼔之，大破遂軍，得其旌麾，還略陽，進軍圍興國。氐王千萬逃奔馬超，餘衆降。轉擊高平屠各，皆散走，收其糧穀牛馬。乃假淵節。

Earlier, Song Jian of Fuhan, who because of the Liang Province Rebellion, made himself King of the River Source who Pacifies the Han. The Grand Progenitor sent [Xiahou] Yuan to led various generals to suppress [Song] Jian. When [Xiahou] Yuan arrived, he sieged Fuhan, and after months, they captured it. [Xiahou Yuan] beheaded [Song] Jian and those (he installed below Assisting Chancellor). [Xiahou] Yuan dispatched Zhang He and others to pacify the river passes, ferrying the river into Xiaohuangzhong, and the Qiang west of the [Yellow] River all surrendered. Longyou was pacified. The Grand Progenitor ordered, "Song Jian had created this chaotic rebellion for over 30 years, yet [Xiahou] Yuan in one move exterminated him. He moved like a tiger right* of the [Tong] Pass, and none could oppose. Zhongni [Master Kong] had said, 'Me and you cannot compare'!"

*The ancients regarded right as west.

初，枹罕宋建因涼州亂，自號河首平漢王。太祖使淵帥諸將討建。淵至，圍枹罕，月餘拔之，斬建及所置丞相已下。淵別遣張郃等平河關，渡河入小湟中，河西諸羌盡降，隴右平。太祖下令曰：「宋建造為亂逆三十餘年，淵一舉滅之，虎步關右，所向無前。仲尼有言：『吾與爾不如也。』」

In the 21st year, his fief was increased with 300 households, overall being 800 households. He counter attacked Wudu's Di and Qiang at Xiabian, seizing the Di's food, which was over 100,000 hu. When the Grand Progenitor went west in an expedition against Zhang Lu, [Xiahou] Yuan led Liang Province's various generals, marquises, kings, and those below them. They and the Grand Progenitor met at Xiu District. Each time the Grand Progenitor met the Qiang and Hu, he used [Xiahou] Yuan to terrorize them. When [Zhang] Lu surrendered and Hanzhong was pacified, [Xiahou] Yuan was made General of the Protectorate, supervising Zhang He and Xu Huang in pacifying Ba Commandery. When the Grand Progenitor returned to Ye, he left behind [Xiahou] Yuan to guard Hanzhong, and therefore made [Xiahou] Yuan the General who Conquers the West.

二十一年，增封三百戶，并前八百戶。還擊武都氐羌下辯，收氐穀十餘萬斛。太祖西征張魯，淵等將涼州諸將侯王已下，與太祖會休亭。太祖每引見羌、胡，以淵畏之。會魯降，漢中平，以淵行都護將軍，督張郃、徐晃等平巴郡。太祖還鄴，留淵守漢中，即拜淵征西將軍。

In the 23rd year, Liu Bei's army [was at] Yangping Pass, so [Xiahou] Yuan led his various generals to oppose him. They both maintained themselves for the whole year. In the 1st month of the 24th year, [Liu] Bei had overnight burned their perimeter with the antler [formation]. [Xiahou] Yuan sent Zhang He to defend the east breach; he himself led an light army to defend the south breach. Bei provoked [Zhang] He to fight; [Zhang] He's army was at a disadvantage. [Xiahou] Yuan had divided his generals and troops in half to reinforce [Zhang] He. [Yuan] was attacked by [Liu] Bei and [Xiahou] Yuan thus fought and died. His posthumous title was the Misfortunate Marquis.

二十三年，劉備軍陽平關，淵率諸將拒之，相守連年。二十四年正月，備夜燒圍鹿角。淵使張郃護東圍，自將輕兵護南圍。備挑郃戰，郃軍不利。淵分所將兵半助郃，為備所襲，淵遂戰死。謚曰愍侯。

Previously, despite [Xiahou] Yuan's many victories, the Grand Progenitor often warned, "As a general, you should feel fear and weakness at times, so you cannot rely only on his courage. A general ought to use bravery as a foundation, implementing it using wisdom and strategy. But if they only know how to indulge in bravery, even a simple man can defeat him, that's all."

初，淵雖數戰勝，太祖常戒曰：「為將當有怯弱時，不可但恃勇也。將當以勇為本，行之以智計；但知任勇，一匹夫敵耳。」

Descendants

[Xiahou] Yuan's wife was the Grand Progenitor's close relative. His eldest son, [Xiahou] Heng, married the daughter of the Grand Progenitor's younger brother, the Lamented Marquis of Haiyang. [Xiahou Heng]'s grace and favor was especially extreme. [Xiahou] Heng succeeded in the peerage but was transferred to Marquis of Anning District. During the Huangchu era, [the court] awarded a son, [Xiahou] Ba, [with peerage]. During the Taihe era, [the court] awarded [Xiahou] Ba's four younger brothers all as Marquises within the Passes. [Xiahou] Ba, during the Zhengshi era, served as Protector of the Army to Destroy Shu, and further enfeoffed as Marquis of Bochang District, and was Cao Shuang's close friend. Hearing [Cao] Shuang's execution, he was suspicious and fled into Shu. Because of [Xiahou] Yuan's past merits, [the court] pardoned [Xiahou] Ba's sons, but moved them to Lelang Commandery.[1] [Xiahou] Ba had a younger brother, [Xiahou] Wei, whose rank reached Inspector of Yan Province.[2] [Xiahou] Wei had a younger brother, [Xiahou] Hui, the Grand Administrator of Le'an.[3] [Xiahou] Hui had a younger brother, [Xiahou] He, the Intendant of Henan.[4] When [Xiahou] Heng died, his son, [Xiahou] Ji, succeeded him. He served as General of the Household of the Tiger Runners. When [Xiahou] Ji died, his son, [Xiahou] Bao, succeeded him.

淵妻，太祖內妹。長子衡，尚太祖弟海陽哀侯女，恩寵特隆。衡襲爵，轉封安寧亭侯。黃初中，賜中子霸，太和中，賜霸四弟爵皆關內侯。霸，正始中為討蜀護軍右將軍，進封愽昌亭侯，素為曹爽所厚。聞爽誅，自疑，亡入蜀。以淵舊勳赦霸子，徙樂浪郡。〔一〕霸弟威，官至兖州刺史。〔二〕威弟惠，樂安太守。〔三〕惠弟和，河南尹。〔四〕衡薨，子績嗣，為虎賁中郎將。績薨，子襃嗣。

〔一〕

Xiahou Ba

The Summary of Wei states: Ba was styled Zhongquan. [Xiahou] Yuan was killed in Shu, so [Xiahou] Ba constantly clenched his teeth and wanted to take revenge on Shu. During the Huangchu era, he served as Lieutenant General. In the campaign through Ziwu [Road], [Xiahou] Ba was made the vanguard and advanced to Xingshiwei, then setting camp within Qugu. The people of Shu had known this was [Xiahou] Ba, and sent troops to attack him. [Xiahou] Ba fought in battle within the antler [formations], waited on reinforcements, and later resolved it. He later served as General of the Right, garrisoning at Longxi, where he nurtured his soldiers and had peace with the tribes. All earned him love within hearts.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：霸字仲權。淵為蜀所害，故霸常切齒，欲有報蜀意。黃初中為偏將軍。子午之役，霸召為前鋒，進至興世圍，安營在曲谷中。蜀人望知其是霸也，指下兵攻之。霸手戰鹿角間，賴救至，然後解。後為右將軍，屯隴西，其養士和戎，並得其歡心。

At the Zhengshi era, he replaced Xiahou Ru as Protector of the Army who Conquers Shu, and was subordinate [to the General] who Invades the West. At the time, the General who Conquers the West; Xiahou Xuan was Ba's cousin's son, and [Xiahou] Xuan was Cao Shuang's younger cousin. When the Xuan King of the Sima [Sima Yi] executed Cao Shuang and thus summoned [Xiahou] Xuan, [Xiahou] Xuan went east. [Xiahou] Ba heard of Cao Shuang's execution and of [Xiahou] Xuan's summon, and thought these misfortunes would continue to him, so his heart was thus fearful within. Also, [Xiahou] Ba had previously been unharmonious with the Inspector of Yong Province; Guo Huai, and when [Guo] Huai replaced [Xiahou] Xuan as [General who] Invades the West, [Xiahou] Ba was especially uneased, and thus therefore fled to Shu. Going south into Yanping, he lost his way, and entered deep into the valleys. His food was exhausted, so he killed his horse and walked. When his feet were damaged, he lied under a cliff. He had people ask for the road, but did not know where it was. When Shu heard of this, they sent people to welcome [Xiahou] Ba.

至正始中，代夏侯儒為征蜀護軍，統屬征西。時征西將軍夏侯玄，於霸為從子，而玄於曹爽為外弟。及司馬宣王誅曹爽，遂召玄，玄來東。霸聞曹爽被誅而玄又徵，以為禍必轉相及，心旣內恐；又霸先與雍州刺史郭淮不和，而淮代玄為征西，霸尤不安，故遂奔蜀。南趣陰平而失道，入窮谷中，糧盡，殺馬步行，足破，卧巖石下，使人求道，未知何之。蜀聞之，乃使人迎霸。

Previously, in the 5th year of the Jian'an era, at the time, [Xiahou] Ba's younger female cousin was 13 or 14 and in her home commandery. When she went to collect firewood, she was taken by Zhang Fei. [Zhang] Fei knew she was a daughter of a good family, thus made her his wife, begetting daughters. They would be Liu Shan's Empresses. Hence, when [Xiahou] Yuan had earlier died, [Zhang] Fei's wife requested to bury him. When [Xiahou] Ba entered Shu, [Liu] Shan and he saw each other, [Liu Shan] explained, saying, "Sir, your father was killed while campaigning, nothing more. It is not by my forefathers' hands." He pointed to his sons to show them and said, "These are Lady Xiahou's nephews." [He was treated] generously and was given a fief, being favored.

初，建安五年，時霸從妹年十三四，在本郡，出行樵採，為張飛所得。飛知其良家女，遂以為妻，產息女，為劉禪皇后。故淵之初亡，飛妻請而葬之。及霸入蜀，禪與相見，釋之曰：「卿父自遇害於行間耳，非我先人之手刃也。」指其兒子以示之曰：「此夏侯氏之甥也。」厚加爵寵。

〔二〕The Sayings of the World state: [Xiahou] Wei, styled Jiquan, was chivalrous. His rank was successively the Inspector of Jing and Yan Provinces. His son, [Xiahou] Jun, was the Inspector of Bing Province. The next son, [Xiahou] Zhuang, served as Grand Administrator of Huainan. [Xiahou] Zhuang's son, [Xiahou] Zhan, styled Xiaoruo, was talented and knowledgeable in writing essays. He became Chancellor of Nanyang and Regular Mounted Attendant. [Xiahou] Zhuang, was Empress Dowager Jingyang of Jin's brother-in-law. From this, their family became extremely indulgent over time.

〔二〕《世語》曰：威字季權，任俠。貴歷荊、兖二州刺史。子駿，并州刺史。次莊，淮南太守。莊子湛，字孝若，以才愽文章，至南陽相、散騎常侍。莊，晉景陽皇后姊夫也。由此一門侈盛於時。

〔三〕The WenzhangXulu states: [Xiahou] Hui was syled Zhiquan. When he was young, his talent and learning was commended. He was great at writing petitions. He became (sanqihuangmenshilang), and with Zhong Yu had many debates; those matters mostly followed [[Xiahou] Hui's]. He was relocated to be Chancellor of Yan, and Grand Adminstrator of Le'an. He died at 37 years old.

〔三〕《文章叙錄》曰：惠字稚權，幼以才學見稱，善屬奏議。歷散騎黃門侍郎，與鍾毓數有辯駮，事多見從。遷燕相、樂安太守。年三十七卒。

〔四〕The Sayings of the World state: [Xiahou] He was styled Yiquan. He had coherent debates and was talented in his views. He served as Intendant of Henan, Minister of Ceremonies. [Xiahou] Yuan's third son was [Xiahou] Cheng, and his fifth son was [Xiahou] Rong.

〔四〕《世語》曰：和字義權，清辯有才論。歷河南尹、太常。淵弟三子稱，弟五子榮。

[Xiahou He] had a grandnephew, Zhan, whose preface stated: [Xiahou] Cheng was styled Shuquan. When he was a young child, he enjoyed assembling with other boys, and he was the leader. When they played, they were always matters of military and battle formations. If there were disobedient ones, he would always discipline using a whip. Of the group, none dared disobey. [Xiahou] Yuan was secretly awed by him and had him read Xiang Yu's biography and book of war, but he refused, saying, "Capability is innate, that's all. How can one learn from others?" When 16 years old, [Xiahou] Yuan and him were in the fields when he spotted a running tiger. He announced he would hasten his horse to chase it; those who prohibited him could not, and with one arrow [the tiger] fell. This fame reached the Grand Progenitor. The Grand Progenitor held [Xiahou Cheng's] hands and gladly said, "I have [someone like] you!" [Xiahou Cheng] and the Civil Emperor were friends when they were more frugal. Each time they feasted, the atmosphere quieted when he sat, and debating scholars could not bend [him to their opinions]. Of the famed scholars of his generation, many followed him in his travels. He died when 18 years old.

從孫湛為其序曰：「稱字叔權。自孺子而好合聚童兒，為之渠帥，戲必為軍旅戰陳之事，有違者輒嚴以鞭捶，衆莫敢逆。淵陰奇之，使讀項羽傳及兵書，不肯，曰：『能則自為耳，安能學人？』年十六，淵與之田，見奔虎，稱驅馬逐之，禁之不可，一箭而倒。名聞太祖，太祖把其手，喜曰：『我得汝矣！』與文帝為布衣之交，每讌會，氣陵一坐，辯士不能屈。世之高名者多從之游。年十八卒。

His younger brother, [Xiahou] Rong, was styled Youquan. From a young age, he was clever and intelligent. When 7, he could write essays, reading 1,000 words in a day; in looking [at books], he would always memorize it. The Civil Emperor heard of this and invited him [to a party]. There were hundreds of guests. Each man had one identifier*, which described their hometown and their forename and clan, and the world called them the rank-place card, and each showed [Xiahou Rong]. After looking at it once, [Xiahou] Rong would converse with guests, not mistaking a single one. The Emperor was deeply awed by him. At the defeat at Hanzhong, [Xiahou] Rong was 13, so his left and right urged him to flee, but he did not agree, stating, "My father is in danger! How can I flee from death!" He thus waved his sword and fought, therefore dying in battle.

*A sort of name card.

弟榮，字幼權。幼聦惠，七歲能屬文，誦書日千言，經目輒識之。文帝聞而請焉。賔客百餘人，人一奏刺，悉書其鄉邑名氏，世所謂爵里刺也，客示之，一寓目，使之遍談，不謬一人。帝深奇之。漢中之敗，榮年十三，左右提之走，不肯，曰：『君親在難，焉所逃死！』乃奮劍而戰，遂沒陣。」

Cao Ren

Cao Ren, styled Zixiao, was the Grand Progenitor's younger cousin. When he was young, he enjoyed using a bow on a horse and shooting in hunting. Later, when great heroes all rose, [Cao] Ren also secretly gathered the young, gaining over 1,000 people. His interactions in the Huai and Si [regions] were well-known. He eventually followed the Grand Progenitor to be Major with Separate Command and Colonel who Violently Attacks. When the Grand Progenitor defeated Yuan Shu, [Cao] Ren had beheaded or captured a great number. He followed to conquer Xu Province, with [Cao] Ren often commanding the cavalry, and being the army's vanguard. He broke off to attack Tao Qian's general, Lü You, and returned to join the greater army at Pengcheng, greatly defeating the Tao army. He followed to attack Fei, Hua, Jimo, and Kaiyang. [Tao] Qian sent various generals to save those counties, and [Cao] Ren used his cavalry to strike and defeat them. When the Grand Progenitor conquered Lü Bu, [Cao] Ren separated to attack Juyang, capturing it, and capturing alive [Lü] Bu's general, Liu He. When the Grand Progenitor pacified the Yellow Turbans, he welcomed the Son of Heaven into the capital of Xu. [Cao] Ren often rendered merited service, so he was made Grand Administrator of Guangyang. The Grand Progenitor treasured his bravery and strategy, so did not send him to the commandery, so did not send him to the commandery, but made him a Gentleman-Consultant and had him lead cavalry. When the Grand Progenitor invaded Zhang Xiu, [Cao] Ren went off to raid the neighboring counties, seizing over 3,000 men and women. When the Grand Progenitor's army was returning, they were chased by [Zhang] Xiu, and their army was at the disadvantage. The soldiers felt discouraged, but [Cao] Ren's leadership encouraged the soldiers into becoming extremely eager. The Grand Progenitor admired him, and thus defeated [Zhang] Xiu.

曹仁字子孝，太祖從弟也。〔一〕少好弓馬弋獵。後豪傑並起，仁亦陰結少年，得千餘人，周旋淮、泗之間，遂從太祖，為別部司馬，行厲鋒校尉。太祖之破袁術，仁所斬獲頗多。從征徐州，仁常督騎，為軍前鋒。別攻陶謙將呂由，破之，還與大軍合彭城，大破謙軍。從攻費、華、即墨、開陽，謙遣別將救諸縣，仁以騎擊破之。太祖征呂布，仁別攻勾陽，拔之，生獲布將劉何。太祖平黃巾，迎天子都許，仁數有功，拜廣陽太守。太祖器其勇略，不使之郡，以議郎督騎。太祖征張繡，仁別徇旁縣，虜其男女三千餘人。太祖軍還，為繡所追，軍不利，士卒喪氣，仁率厲將士甚奮，太祖壯之，遂破繡。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Ren's grandfather was [Cao] Bao, the Grand Administrator of Yingchuan. His father was [Cao] Chi, a Palace Attendant and the Commandant of Changshui.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：仁祖襃，潁川太守。父熾，侍中、長水校尉。

The Grand Progenitor and Yuan Shao had long stood off at Guan Ferry, so [Yuan] Shao sent Liu Bei to raid Yinqiang's counties, and many [counties] incited their troops to answer him. South of Xu, the officials and people were uneased, so the Grand Progenitor was worried about it. [Cao] Ren said, "Those south believed our Grand Army was in its current trouble, thus their power cannot save them. Liu Bei has a strong force to attack, so their revolt was certainly natural. [Liu] Bei had recently led [Yuan] Shao's army, so was not yet be able to use them. If we attack, they can be defeated." The Grand Progenitor agreed with such words, and thus sent his cavalry to attack [Liu] Bei, defeating and forcing them out. [Cao] Ren, in the end, retook the various revolting counties back. [Yuan] Shao dispatched his general, Han Xun, to raid and sever the western route, so [Cao] Ren attacked [Han] Xun at Mount Jiluo, greatly defeating him. As such, [Yuan] Shao did not dare again split his troops to leave [and atack]. [Cao Ren] again with Shi Huan and others raided [Yuan] Shao's supply vehicles and burned their supplies and grain.

太祖與袁紹久相持於官渡，紹遣劉備徇㶏彊諸縣，多舉眾應之。自许以南，吏民不安，太祖以爲憂。仁曰：「南方以大軍方有目前急，其勢不能相救，劉備以彊兵临之，其背叛固宜也。備新將紹兵，未能得其用，擊之可破也。」太祖善其言，遂使將騎擊備，破走之，仁盡復收諸叛縣而還。紹遣别將韓荀钞斷西道，仁擊荀於鸡洛山，大破之。由是紹不敢復分兵出。復與史渙等钞紹运车，燒其糧穀。

Hebei was stabilized, and [Cao Ren] followed to siege Hu Pass. The Grand Progenitor ordered and said, "When the city falls, all will be killed." After many months, they did not fall. [Cao] Ren told the Grand Progenitor, "In sieging a city, we must show gates to survival, for it opens their survival route. Now that your lordship said they would die, this will cause the people to defend themselves. Furthermore, the city is strong and has many supplies. If we attack, then our soldiers will suffer; if we surround, then we would be here for too long. Now we have our troops camp under the fortified city, attacking warriors that will eventually die. This is not a good plan." The Grand Progenitor accepted this, and the city surrendered. Therefore, in remembrance of his overall achievements, [Cao Ren] was enfeoffed Marquis of a Capital District.

河北旣定，從圍壺關。太祖令曰：「城拔，皆坑之。」連月不下。仁言於太祖曰：「圍城必示之活門，所以開其生路也。今公告之必死，將人自為守。且城固而糧多，攻之則士卒傷，守之則引日乆；今頓兵堅城之下，以攻必死之虜，非良計也。」太祖從之，城降。於是錄仁前後功，封都亭侯。

[Cao Ren] followed to pacify Jing Province and [Cao] Ren was made General who Conquers the South, remaining to garrison Jiangling to oppose Wu General Zhou Yu. [Zhou] Yu led tens of thousands of soldiers to come and attack, and his vanguard, with thousands, arrived first. [Cao] Ren ascended the city to observe them, and then recruited 300 people. He sent his subordinate general, Niu Jin, to resist them. The enemy were many, and [Niu] Jin's army was few, thus he was surrounded. Chief Clerk; Chen Jiao was also on top of the city and saw [Niu] Jin was almost defeated, so he and his left and right were all losing color [in their faces]. [Cao] Ren's thoughts and spirit flunctated to one of extreme fury, and told his left and right to take his horse to him. [Chen] Jiao and the others together blocked him. They told [Cao] Ren, "The enemy troops are extreme in number, and we cannot oppose them. If we abandon hundreds of men, why bother? General, why personally go to them?" [Cao] Ren did not respond, but then put on his armor and mounted his horse. He led his subordinates, tens of strong and brave cavalry, and left the city. He was away from the enemies over a hundred paces, going to the ditch. [Chen] Jiao and the others thought that [Cao] Ren would go to the top of the ditch and make it appear he would support [Niu] Jin. [Cao] Ren unexpectedly crossed the brook and [charged] forward directly, and rapidly entered the enemy encirclement. [Niu] Jin and the others were thus rescued. The remaining soldiers had not completely left, so [Cao] Ren again went straight to charge at them, bringing out [Niu] Jin's soldiers, killing several people, and the enemy soldiers thus retreated. [Chen] Jiao and the others previously saw Ren leave and they all dreaded [for his safety], but when they saw [Cao] Ren return, they exclaimed, "General, you're truly a heavenly man!" The three armies admired his bravery. The Grand Progenitor especially admired such, and changed [Cao Ren's] fief to Marquis of Anping District.

從平荊州，以仁行征南將軍，留屯江陵，拒吳將周瑜。瑜將數萬衆來攻，前鋒數千人始至，仁登城望之，乃募得三百人，遣部曲將牛金逆與挑戰。賊多，金衆少，遂為所圍。長史陳矯俱在城上，望見金等垂沒，左右皆失色。仁意氣奮怒甚，謂左右取馬來，矯等共援持之。謂仁曰：「賊衆盛，不可當也。假使棄數百人何苦，而將軍以身赴之！」仁不應，遂被甲上馬，將其麾下壯士數十騎出城。去賊百餘步，迫溝，矯等以為仁當住溝上，為金形勢也，仁徑渡溝直前，衝入賊圍，金等乃得解。餘衆未盡出，仁復直還突之，拔出金兵，亡其數人，賊衆乃退。矯等初見仁出，皆懼，及見仁還，乃歎曰：「將軍真天人也！」三軍服其勇。太祖益壯之，轉封安平亭侯。

When the Grand Progenitor suppressed Ma Chao, he made [Cao] Ren to be Acting General who Stabilizes the West. He commanded various generals to oppose [Ma Chao] at Tong Pass, and defeated [Ma] Chao in Weinan. Su Bo and Tian Yin revolted, so [Cao] Ren was made General of the Brave Cavalry, commanding seven armies to suppress [Tian] Yin and others, defeating them. [Cao Ren] returned to be Acting General who Conquers the South, acting tally, and garrisoning Fan[cheng], and guarding Jing Province. Hou Yin rebelled at Wan and plundered nearby counties and thousands of men. [Cao] Ren led his armies to attack and defeat [Tian] Yin, beheading [Tian] Yin, and return to garrison at Fan. He was made General who Conquers the South. Guan Yu attacked Fan, and at the time, the Han River suddenly overflowed. Yu Jin and seven armies were all defeated, and [Yu] Jin surrendered to [Guan] Yu. [Cao] Ren's infantry and cavalry of around a thousand men guarded the city. The city had some planks that were not submerged. [Guan] Yu boarded boats towards the city, besieging in layers, and outside or inside, supply lines were cut off, so the grain and supplies were to end, and reinforcing troops would not come. [Cao] Ren encouraged and motivated his generals and soldiers, expressing that he would have to die [rather than surrender]. The generals and soldiers were touched by such and all had no second [thoughts]. When Xu Huang came to the rescue, the water also slightly decreased. [Xu] Huang from the outside attacked [Guan] Yu, and [Cao] Ren was able to break the siege to leave. [Guan] Yu retreated.

太祖討馬超，以仁行安西將軍，督諸將拒潼關，破超渭南。蘇伯、田銀反，以仁行驍騎將軍，都督七軍討銀等，破之。復以仁行征南將軍，假節，屯樊，鎮荊州。侯音以宛叛，略傍縣衆數千人，仁率諸軍攻破音，斬其首，還屯樊，即拜征南將軍。關羽攻樊，時漢水暴溢，于禁等七軍皆沒，禁降羽。仁人馬數千人守城，城不沒者數板。羽乘船臨城，圍數重，外內斷絕，糧食欲盡，救兵不至。仁激厲將士，示以必死，將士感之皆無二。徐晃救至，水亦稍減，晃從外擊羽，仁得潰圍出，羽退走。

When [Cao] Ren was young, he did not (improve his) moral behavior, but when he got older and became a general, he strictly and exactly received laws and orders. He often placed the rules left and right, and used it in matters. When the Marquis of Yanling; [Cao] Zhang went north to conquer the Wuwan, the Civil Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, and he wrote to warn [Cao] Zhang, saying, "When a general receives rules, shouldn't they be like [the General] who Conquers the South [Cao Ren]!" And when [the Civil Emperor] became King, he made [Cao] Ren General of the Chariots and Cavalry, commanding various military affairs in Jing, Yang, and Yi Provinces. He was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Chen, and expanded his fief with 2,000, overall being 3,500 households. He posthumously honored [Cao] Ren's father, [Cao] Chi, with the title (Mu) Marquis of Chen, installing ten personal tomb guards.

仁少時不脩行檢，及長為將，嚴整奉法令，常置科於左右，案以從事。鄢陵侯彰北征烏丸，文帝在東宮，為書戒彰曰：「為將奉法，不當如征南邪！」及即王位，拜仁車騎將軍，都督荊、揚、益州諸軍事，進封陳侯，增邑二千，并前三千五百戶。追賜仁父熾謚曰陳穆侯，置守冢十家。

[Cao Ren] was summoned to return to garrison Wan. Sun Quan sent his general, Chen Shao, to occupy Xiangyang. An edict had [Cao] Ren attack him; [Cao] Ren and Xu Huang attacked and defeated [Chen] Shao, thus entering Xiangyang, and sending General Gao Qian among others to move the submitted and reformed people of Hannan to Hanbei. The Civil Emperor sent an official to appoint [Cao] Ren as Generalissimo, and another edict had Ren again garrison Linying, becoming Grand Major, and also supervise various armies to occupy Wujiang, and return to garrison Hefei. In the 4th year of the Huangchu era, he died, and was posthumously titled the Loyal Marquis.[1]

後召還屯宛。孫權遣將陳邵据襄陽，詔仁討之。仁與徐晃攻破邵，遂入襄陽，使將軍高遷等徙漢南附化民於漢北，文帝遣使即拜仁大將軍。又詔仁移屯临潁，遷大司馬，復督諸軍据烏江，還屯合肥。黃初四年薨，諡曰忠侯。〔一〕

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Ren was 56 years old.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：仁時年五十六。

The (Bozi) states: The Grand Major Cao [Ren] was brave. [Meng] Bi and [Xia] Yu could not compare. Zhang Liao was second [in bravery].

《傅子》曰：曹大司馬之勇，賁、育弗加也。張遼其次焉。

Descendants

His son, [Cao] Tai, succeeded him, and whose rank reached General who Guards the East, with acting tally, and switched fief to Marquis of Ningling. When [Cao] Tai died, his son, [Cao] Chu, succeeded. And [the fief] was divided to enfeoff [Cao] Tai's younger brothers, [Cao] Kai and [Cao] Fan, all who were marquises. Niu Jin's rank reached General of the Rear.

子泰嗣，官至鎮東將軍，假節，轉封甯陵侯。泰薨，子初嗣。又分封泰弟楷、範，皆爲列侯，而牛金官至後將軍。

Cao Chun

[Cao] Ren's younger brother, [Cao] Chun,[1] was previously Gentleman Consultant who joined the Excellency of Works' military affairs and commanded the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry against Nanpi. When Yuan Tan went out to fight, many [of the Grand Progenitor's] soldiers died. The Grand Progenitor wished to recuperate them, but [Cao] Chun said, "We have travelled 1,000 li to our foe; in advancing, we could not overcome, but a retreat would certainly lower our morale. Furthermore, our army is deep within, and it would be difficult for us to withstand for long. The other side's victories have made them arrogant, and our defeats have made us fearful. Use fear to attack arrogance, and we will win!" The Grand Progenitor liked those words, and thus rapidly attack [Yuan Tan], and [Yuan] Tan was defeated. [Cao] Chun's subordinate cavalry beheaded [Yuan] Tan. And during the northern expedition of three commanderies, [Cao] Chun's subordinate cavalry captured Chanyu Tadun. From his overall merits, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Gaoling District, with a fief of 300 households. He followed to conquer Jing Province and chased Liu Bei to Changban, capturing his two daughters and some supplies and incorporated dispersed soldiers. He thus took Jiangling and followed [the Grand Progenitor] back to Qiao.

仁弟純，〔一〕初以議郎參司空軍事，督虎豹騎從圍南皮。袁譚出戰，士卒多死。太祖欲緩之，純曰：「今千里蹈敵，進不能克，退必喪威；且懸師深入，難以持久。彼勝而驕，我敗而懼，以懼敵驕，必可克也。」太祖善其言，遂急攻之，譚敗。純麾下騎斬譚首。及北征三郡，純部騎獲單于蹹頓。以前後功封高陵亭侯，邑三百戶。從征荊州，追劉備於長坂，獲其二女輜重，收其散卒。進降江陵，從還譙。

〔一〕The Records of Famed Heroes state: [Cao] Chun was styled Zihe. When he was 14 years old, he lost his father. He and his elder brother [Cao] Ren of the same birth were in different household(s). He continued his father's business and became rich from the money. The servants and retainers numbered in the hundreds. [Cao] Chun was stern and lawful, and he was commanding and controlling. [In his family business] he was not disorganized, so his hometown all thought him competent He enjoyed learning, respecting and loving scholars, and many of those scholars joined him. Therewith, those far and near praised him. When he was 18, he served as Attending Gentleman at the Yellow Gates; when he was 20, he followed the Grand Progenitor to Xiangyi to recruit soldiers, and thus often followed in his conquests.

〔一〕《英雄記》曰：純字子和。年十四而喪父，與同產兄仁別居。承父業，富於財，僮僕人客以百數，純綱紀督御，不失其理，鄉里咸以為能。好學問，敬愛學士，學士多歸焉，由是為遠近所稱。年十八，為黃門侍郎。二十，從太祖到襄邑募兵，遂常從征戰。

In the 15th year of the Jian'an era, he died. When the Civil Emperor ascended the throne, he made [Cao Chun's] posthumous title the Mighty Marquis.[1]

建安十五年薨。文帝即位，追謚曰威侯。〔一〕

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Chun commanded the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, all of whom were the realm's most brave and mighty. Some said those led by a Hundred Men General comprised them. The Grand Progenitor found it hard [to find] a leader. But when [Cao] Chun was selected as commander, he was able to soothe them greatly and gain the mens' hearts. And when he died, officials recommended a replacement. The Grand Progenitor said, "How can I ever get one equal to Chun again? Couldn't I be a suitable commander?" He thus did not select.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：純所督虎豹騎，皆天下驍銳，或從百人將補之，太祖難其帥。純以選為督，撫循甚得人心。及卒，有司白選代，太祖曰：「純之比，何可復得！吾獨不中督邪？」遂不選。

Descendants of Cao Chun

His son, [Cao] Yan, succeeded him, and whose office reached General who Leads the Army. During the Zhengyuan era, he was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingle Township. When [Cao] Yan died, his son, [Cao] Liang, succeeded him.

子演嗣，官至領軍將軍，正元中進封平樂鄉侯。演薨，子亮嗣。

Cao Hong

Cao Hong, styled Zilian, was the Grand Progenitor's younger cousin. When the Grand Progenitor raised righteous troops to destroy Dong Zhuo, at Xingyang, he was defeated by Zhuo's general, Xu Rong. The Grand Progenitor lost his horse, and the traitors' pursuit was very fast, so [Cao] Hong dismounted and gave his horse to the Grand Progenitor. The Grand Progenitor politely declined, so [Cao] Hong said, "The realm can be without me, but cannot be without you." He thus walked and followed [the Grand Progenitor] to the Bian River, but by the water's depth, it could not be crossed, so Hong went along the water to get a boat, and he and the Grand Progenitor both crossed [the river], and retreated to Qiao. The Inspector of Yang Province; Chen Wen and [Cao] Hong were in the past friendly. [Cao] Hong led over 1,000 personal soldiers, and at Wen, collected soldiers, obtaining 2,000 elite soldiers in Lujiang. He went east and arrived at Danyang, gaining another 1,000 soldiers, and he and the Grand Progenitor met at Longkang.

曹洪字子廉，〔一〕太祖從弟也太祖起義兵討董卓，至熒陽，為卓將徐榮所敗。太祖失馬，賊追甚急，洪下，以馬授太祖，太祖辭讓，洪曰：「天下可無洪，不可無君。」遂步從到汴水，水深不得渡，洪循水得船，與太祖俱濟，還奔譙。揚州刺史陳溫素與洪善，洪將家兵千餘人，就溫募兵，得廬江上甲二千人，東到丹楊復得數千人，與太祖會龍亢。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Hong's uncle was [Cao] Ding, who served as Prefect of the Secretariat, and who appointed [Cao] Hong as Chief of Qichun.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：洪伯父鼎為尚書令，任洪為蘄春長。

When the Grand Progenitor conquered Xu Province, Zhang Miao incited Yan Province to rebel in favor of Lü Bu. At the time, there was a great famine, so [Cao] Hong led his troops at the front and first took Dongping and Fan as to gather its food to maintain his army. When the Grand Progenitor suppressed [Zhang] Miao, [Lü] Bu was at Puyang, and [Lü] Bu was defeated and fled. [Cao Hong] thus took Dong'a, and then attacked Jiyin, Shanyang, Zhongmu, Yangwu, Jing, and Mi; over ten counties were all taken. For his overall merits, he was made Colonel who Soars like Eagles and then switched to General of the Household who Radiates Strength.

太祖征徐州，張邈舉兖州叛迎呂布。時大饑荒，洪將兵在前，先據東平、范，聚糧穀以繼軍。太祖討邈、布於濮陽，布破走，遂據東阿，轉擊濟陰、山陽、中牟、陽武、京、密十餘縣，皆拔之。以前後功拜鷹揚校尉，遷揚武中郎將。

When the Son of Heaven selected the capital to be Xu, he made [Cao] Hong Grandee Remonstrate. He went to the expedition against Liu Biao and defeated [Liu] Biao's individual generals at Wuyang, Yinye, Duyang, and Bowang. With those merits, he switched to be General who Violently Attacks, and enfeoffed as Marquis of Guoming District. Overtime, he followed in many expeditions and conquests, and was made General of the Protectorate. When the Civil Emperor was enthroned, he made [Cao Hong] General of the Guards, then switched to General of the Agile Cavalry, and further enfeoffed as Marquis of Yewang, gaining a fief of 1,000 households, and overall being 2,100 households, and his status was tejin*. He was later shifted to be enfeoffed as Marquis of Duyang.

*A status below the Three Excellencies.

天子都許，拜洪諫議大夫。別征劉表，破表別將於舞陽、陰葉、堵陽、博望，有功，遷厲鋒將軍，封國明亭侯。累從征伐，拜都護將軍。文帝即位，為衞將軍，遷驃騎將軍，進封野王侯，益邑千戶，并前二千一百戶，位特進；後徙封都陽侯。

Descendants

Earlier, [Cao] Hong's family was rich but by nature he was stingy. When the Civil Emperor was young, he asked for a loan, but was rejected, so he often hated them. Therefore, he used [Cao Hong's] retainer breaking the law as to arrest [Hong] and to kill him. Various ministers all begged for his life, but none were able to [convince the Emperor]. Empress Dowager Bian told Empress Guo, "If Cao Hong dies today, I will admonish the Emperor into deposing you tomorrow." She thereupon cried and constantly begged, thereupon [the Emperor] removed [Cao Hong] from office and decreased his fief's land. [Cao] Hong was the Former Emperor's servant with merit, [and his treatment] caused many of his contemporaries to complain. When the Bright Emperor was enthroned, he made [Cao Hong] the General of the Rear, and further enfeoffed as Marquis of Lecheng, with a fief of 1,000 households, and being (tejin), and he was again made General of the Swift Cavalry. In the 6th year of the Taihe era, he died, and his posthumous title was the Respected Marquis. His son, [Cao] Fu, succeeded as Marquis. Previously, the Grand Progenitor divided [Cao] Hong's household to enfeoff his son, [Cao] Zhen, as a marquis. [Cao] Hong's senior kinsman, [Cao] Yu, was very cautious, sincere, and respectful. His office reached General of the Guards and was enfeoffed as a nobleman.

始，洪家富而性吝嗇，文帝少時假求不稱，常恨之，遂以舍客犯法，下獄當死。羣臣並救莫能得。卞太后謂郭后曰：「令曹洪今日死，吾明日勑帝廢后矣。」於是泣涕屢請，乃得免官削爵土。洪先帝功臣，時人多為觖望。明帝即位，拜後將軍，更封樂城侯，邑千戶，位特進，復拜驃騎將軍。太和六年薨，謚曰恭侯。子馥，嗣侯。初，太祖分洪戶封子震列侯。洪族父瑜，脩慎篤敬，官至衞將軍，封列侯。

〔一〕The Summary of Wei states: When the Civil Emperor arrested [Cao] Hong, Cao Zhen was at his side at the time. He implored [the Emperor], "If you execute [Cao] Hong, he will surely think that I slandered him." The Emperor said, "I will personally punish him. How can you be involved?" Soon, Empress Bian angrily rebuked the Emperor, saying, "When [the Grand Progenitor was] in Liang and Pei, without [Cao] Zilian, there would be no today!" An edict thus absolved him. However, [the Emperor] still confiscated his property. The Empress Dowager thus again spoke, and later, it was returned. Previously, when the Grand Progenitor served as Excellency of Works, he led his subordinates, and each year they mobilized, he had the counties assess money. At the time, the Prefect of Qiao assessed [Cao] Hong's materials and wealth to be of the Excellency's family. The Grand Progenitor said, "How can my family's wealth compare to Zilian's!"

〔一〕《魏略》曰：文帝收洪，時曹真在左右，請之曰：「今誅洪，洪必以真為譖也。」帝曰：「我自治之，卿何豫也？」會卞太后責怒帝，言「梁、沛之間，非子廉無有今日」。詔乃釋之。猶尚沒入其財產。太后又以為言，後乃還之。初，太祖為司空時，以己率下，每歲發調，使本縣平貲。於時譙令平洪貲財與公家等，太祖曰：「我家貲郍得如子廉邪！」

When the Civil Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, he tried to borrow from [Cao] Hong a hundred silk, but [Cao] Hong rejected. In time, [Cao] Hong broke the law, and he thought he would die, but was pardoned. Overjoyed, he petitioned, stating thankfully, "When I, your minister, was young, I did not follow the conventions, and neglected appropriate relations [between lord and subject]. When I became older, I did not serve [competently], yet still received your forgiveness. By nature, I am too unrestrained to know what is enough of a share, and having a ferocious wolf's insatiable greed. As I grow older and stupider, I have increased my greed, and have offended the national laws. These crimes approach 3,000 [of them] that I do not deserve forgiveness, and ought to be justly executed to be left in public places. Yet I received Heaven's grace, with my blood and flesh renewed. When I looked at the Heavens, I felt very ashamed towards the spirits and deities, and when I pondered my faults, I felt deeply ashamed and frightened. However, I could not hang myself as to punish myself, so I solemnly muddied my face at the watchtower gates. Thus, I respectfully petition to explain my feelings."

文帝在東宮，嘗從洪貸絹百匹，洪不稱意。及洪犯法，自分必死，旣得原，喜，上書謝曰：「臣少不由道，過在人倫，長竊非任，遂蒙含貸。性無檢度知足之分，而有犲狼無厭之質，老惛倍貪，觸突國網，罪迫三千，不在赦宥，當就辜誅，棄諸市朝，猶蒙天恩，骨肉更生。臣仰視天日，愧負靈神，俯惟愆闕，慙愧怖悸，不能雉經以自裁割，謹塗顏闕門，拜章陳情。」

Cao Xiu

Cao Xiu, styled Wenlie, was the Grand Progenitor's junior clansman. When the realm was in turmoil, [Cao] clansmen all scattered and were displaced to [outside] townships and villages. [Cao] Xiu was over 10 years old when he lost his father, and only he and a retainer held the responsibility to mourn him at a temporary grave. He supported his old mother and crossed the Long [River] to Wu.[1] When the Grand Progenitor raised righteous troops, [Cao Xiu] changed his surname and forename as to go and arrive at Jing Province, and snuck northwards to return, meeting the Grand Progenitor. The Grand Progenitor said to his left and right, "He is my family's 1,000 li stallion." He had [Cao Xiu] and the Civil Emperor be in the same home, treating [Cao Xiu] like a son. [Cao Xiu] often followed in expeditions and attacks, and was made to lead the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and the Imperial Guards.

曹休字文烈，太祖族子也。天下亂，宗族各散去郷里。休年十餘歲，喪父，獨與一客擔喪假葬，攜將老母，渡江至吳。〔一〕以太祖舉義兵，易姓名轉至荊州，閒行北歸，見太祖。太祖謂左右曰：「此吾家千里駒也。」使與文帝同止，見待如子。常從征伐，使領虎豹騎、宿衞。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Xiu's great-grandfather was once Grand Administrator of Wu. [Cao] Xiu went to the Grand Administrator's office and saw on the wall his great-grandfather's portrait. He got down from a couch, bowed to it, and cried [before it]. Those with him all praised him.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：休祖父嘗為吳郡太守。休於太守舍見壁上祖父畫像，下榻拜涕泣，同坐者皆嘉歎焉。

When Liu Bei sent his general, Wu Lan, to garrison at Xiabian, the Grand Progenitor sent Cao Hong to go on expedition against him, using [Cao] Xiu to be Colonel of the Cavalry, and joining [Cao] Hong as military aide. The Grand Progenitor said to [Cao] Xiu, "Although you are just a military aide, you are really its commander." [Cao] Hong heard of this order, and also delegated matters to [Cao] Xiu. [Liu] Bei sent Zhang Fei to garrison at Gu Mountain, wanting to sever the army's rear. Advisors in discussion were hesistant, so [Cao] Xiu said, "If the traitors indeed want to cut our route, they would have [placed] ambush troops in secret. Though now they first bluff of their might and power, they can't act on such. As they have not yet assembled, I urge we attack [Wu] Lan. If [Wu] Lan is defeated, then [Zhang] Fei will flee." [Cao] Hong followed this, and sent troops to attack [Wu] Lan, greatly defeating him, and [Zhang] Fei really did flee.

劉備遣將吳蘭屯下辯，太祖遣曹洪征之，以休為騎都尉，參洪軍事。太祖謂休曰：「汝雖參軍，其實帥也。」洪聞此令，亦委事於休。備遣張飛屯固山，欲斷軍後。衆議狐疑，休曰：「賊實斷道者，當伏兵潛行。今乃先張聲勢，此其不能也。宜及其未集，促擊蘭，蘭破則飛自走矣。」洪從之，進兵擊蘭，大破之，飛果走。〔一〕

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Xiu's mourning for his mother was extremely filial. The Emperor sent a Palace Attendant to take the mourning clothes and had him drink wine and eat meat. [Cao] Xiu received that edict and so his appearance became increasingly haggard. He begged to return to Qiao to bury his mother, so the Emperor also sent the Colonel of the Superior Cavalry; Xue Qiao to issue an edict to restrain his grief. He sent [Cao Xiu] to return to his family and manage the funeral; in one night, they buried [his mother]. When the burial was over, he visited at [the Emperor's] location. When the Emperor saw him, he personally comforted him, and their intimacy was great like this.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：休喪母至孝。帝使侍中奪喪服，使飲酒食肉，休受詔而形體益憔悴。乞歸譙葬母，帝復遣越騎校尉薛喬奉詔節其憂哀，使歸家治喪，一宿便葬，葬訖詣行在所。帝見，親自寬慰之。其見愛重如此。

When the Grand Progenitor captured Hanzhong, the armies returned to Chang'an, and made [Cao] Xiu (Zhonglingjun). When the Civil Emperor became King, he made [Cao Xiu] General who Leads the Army, and remembering his overall achievements, he enfeoffed [Cao Xiu] as Marquis of Dongyang District. When Xiahou Dun died, [Cao] Xiu was made General who Guards the South, with Acting Tally and also command all military affairs. When the chariot was about to leave, the sovereign thus dismounted the litter to hold hands to bid goodbye. Sun Quan sent his generals to garrison at Liyang. When [Cao] Xiu arrived, he striked and defeated, and also having a separate unit to cross the Long [River] and burn the enemy's camp at Wuhu with over 1,000 households. He was promoted to General who Conquers the East, concurrently Inspector of Yang Province, and further enfeoffed as Marquis of Anyang Township.

太祖拔漢中，諸軍還長安，拜休中領軍。文帝即王位，為領軍將軍，錄前後功，封東陽亭侯。夏侯惇薨，以休為鎮南將軍，假節都督諸軍事，車駕臨送，上乃下輿執手而別。孫權遣將屯歷陽，休到，擊破之，又別遣兵渡江，燒賊蕪湖營數千家。遷征東將軍，領揚州刺史，進封安陽鄉侯。

When the Emperor launched an expedition against Sun Quan, he had [Cao] Xiu be Grand General who Conquers the East, with the golden axe tally [having the power to conquer on behalf of the Emperor], and supervised Zhang Liao and other [generals], along with over 20 armies from different provinces and commanderies, and attacked Quan's general, Lü Fan, at Dongpu, defeating him. He was made Governor of Yang Province. When the Bright Emperor was enthroned, he further enfeoffed [Cao Xiu] as Marquis of Changping. A Wu general, Shen De, garrisoned at Wan, and [Cao] Xiu attacked and defeated him, taking [Shen] De's head. The Wu generals, Han Zhong and Zhai Dan among others, successively led their troops to surrender to [Cao] Xiu. [The court] increased his fief by 400, overall being 2,500 households, and promoted him to be Grand Major and Commander over Yang Province like before.

帝征孫權，以休為征東大將軍，假黃鉞，督張遼等及諸州郡二十餘軍，擊權大將呂範等於洞浦，破之。拜揚州牧。明帝即位，進封長平侯。吳將審悳屯皖，休擊破之，斬悳首，吳將韓綜、翟丹等前後率衆詣休降。增邑四百，并前二千五百戶，遷大司馬，都督揚州如故。

Descendants

In the 2nd year of the Taihe era, the Emperor had two routes [to be taken] to invade Wu [from]; he sent the (Xuan) King of the Sima to go down along the Han River, and had [Cao] Xiu supervise the army's march to Xunyang. The traitorous general pretended to surrender, thus [Cao] Xiu was deep within [the enemy's army], and so the battle was at a disadvantage. They retreated to stay overnight at Shiting. Overnight, the army was startled, and the soldiers began to be disordered. Those that abandoned their armor, weapons, and military supply cars were extreme. [Cao] Xiu petitioned a letter to apologize for his crimes, so the Emperor sent Colonel of the Garrisoned Cavalry; Yang Ji to reassure him. He honored and gifted him more and more [respects and gifts]. [Cao] Xiu, because of this, developed a carbuncle on his back and died. His posthumous title was the (Zhuang) Marquis, and his son, Zhao, succeeded him.

太和二年，帝為二道征吳，遣司馬宣王從漢水下，督休諸軍向尋陽。賊將偽降，休深入，戰不利，退還宿石亭。軍夜驚，士卒亂，棄甲兵輜重甚多。休上書謝罪，帝遣屯騎校尉楊曁慰諭，禮賜益隆。休因此癰發背薨，謚曰壯侯。子肇嗣。〔一〕

〔一〕The Sayings of the World state: Zhao was styled Changsi.

〔一〕《世語》曰：肇字長思。

[Cao] Zhao was very talented for that generation and was made (sanqichangshi), and Colonel of the Garrisoned Cavalry. When the Bright Emperor was extremely sick, he wanted [Cao Zhao] and the Prince of Yan; [Cao] Yu, being kinsmen, to [manage] future affairs. The Emperor's intentions soon changed, and his edict had [Cao] Zhao, being a marquis, to return [to his fiefdom]. During the Zhengshi era, he died. He was posthumously titled General of the Guards. His son, [Cao] Xing, succeeded him. Previously, the Civil Emperor divided [Cao] Xiu's 300 households to enfeoff [Cao] Zhao's younger brother, [Cao] Zuan, as a marquis, and later had [Cao Zuan] became General who Exterminates Wu. He died, and was posthumously titled General of the Front.

肇有當世才度，為散騎常侍、屯騎校尉。明帝寢疾，方與燕王宇等屬以後事。帝意尋變，詔肇以侯歸第。正始中薨。追贈衞將軍。子興嗣。初，文帝分休戶三百封肇弟纂為列侯，後為殄吳將軍，薨，追贈前將軍。〔一〕

〔一〕Zhang Yin's Biographies of Literati state: [Cao] Zhao's grandson was [Cao] Shu, styled Yanyuan. When he was young, he was known for being stern and disciplined. He extensively studied and had talent and literary skill. He served Jin and was recruited into the Excellency's residence. He was the Prefect of Luoyang and had a capable reputation. When the Grand Major and Prince of Qi; [Sima] Jiong assisted in governance, [Cao] Shu and a man from Qi, Zuo Si, both served as Chief Keepers of Record. From being Palace Gentleman, he was sent out to be Grand Administrator of Xiangyang and Major who Conquers the South. When the realm under heaven was in disorder, [Cao] Shu suppressed the traitors from Wu, and in battle, was defeated and killed.

〔一〕張隱《文士傳》曰：肇孫攄，字顏遠，少厲志操，博學有才藻。仕晉，辟公府，歷洛陽令，有能名。大司馬齊王冏輔政，攄與齊人左思俱為記室督。從中郎出為襄陽太守、征南司馬。值天下亂，攄討賊向吳，戰敗死。

Cao Zhen*

Cao Zhen, styled Zidan, was the Grand Progenitor's junior clansman. When the Grand Progenitor raised troops, [Cao] Zhen's father, [Cao] Shao, recruited followers and soldiers, and was killed by the provinces and commanderies.[1] The Grand Progenitor pitied [Cao] Zhen being fatherless when young, so he took and adopted him like a son and had him and the Civil Emperor live together. He often hunted; he [once] was pursued by a tiger. He turned and shot the tiger; the sound [of arrows hitting it] came with the fall. The Grand Progenitor was impressed with his ferocity and bravery and made him lead the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry. When they suppressed the traitors of Lingqiu, [Cao Zhen] captured them, and he was enfeoffed Marquis of Lingshou District. As a Lieutenant General, he led an army to attack Liu Bei's separated general at Xiabian, defeating them, and he became General of Central Resoluteness.

曹真字子丹，太祖族子也。太祖起兵，真父邵募徒衆，為州郡所殺。〔一〕太祖哀真少孤，收養與諸子同，使與文帝共止。常獵，為虎所逐，顧射虎，應聲而倒。太祖壯其鷙勇，使將虎豹騎。討靈丘賊，拔之，封靈壽亭侯。以偏將軍將兵擊劉備別將於下辯，破之，拜中堅將軍。

〔一〕The Summary of Wei states: Zhen's original surname was Qin, but adopted the Cao surname. One said that his father, [Qin] Bonan, was an old friend with the Grand Progenitor. By the end of the Xingping era, Yuan Shu's gang and the Grand Progenitor attacked and plundered [each other]. The Grand Progenitor retreated and was hunted by bandits. He fled to enter the Qin clan's house; [Qin]] Bonan opened the doors to receive him. The bandits asked of the Grand Progenitor's whereabouts and [Qin Bonan's] reply was, "I am [him]." Thus they killed him. From this, the Grand Progenitor thought of this merit and hence changed [Cao Zhen's] surname.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：真本姓秦，養曹氏。或云其父伯南夙與太祖善。興平末，袁術部黨與太祖攻劫，太祖出，為寇所追，走入秦氏，伯南開門受之。寇問太祖所在，荅云：「我是也。」遂害之。由此太祖思其功，故變其姓。

The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Shao was loyal and sincere, and was talented and intelligent. For this, he and the Grand Progenitor became close and trusted. During the Chuping era, when the Grand Progenitor raised righteous troops, [Cao] Shao recruited followers into an army, following the Grand Progenitor in his (dealings). At the time, the Inspector of Yu Province; Huang Wan wanted to kill the Grand Progenitor. The Grand Progenitor dodged it, and [Cao] Shao only was killed.

《魏書》曰：邵以忠篤有才智，為太祖所親信。初平中，太祖興義兵，邵募徒衆，從太祖周旋。時豫州刺史黃琬欲害太祖，太祖避之而邵獨遇害。

He followed [Cao Cao] to Chang'an, concurrently serving as Leader of the Central Army. At the time, Xiahou Yuan died in Yangping, and the Grand Progenitor was worried because of it, so he made [Cao] Zhen Protector of the Army that Conquers Shu and commanding Xu Huang among others to defeat Liu Bei's separate general, Gao Xiang at Yangping. When the Grand Progenitor himself came to Hanzhong, he withdrew the various armies, and sent [Cao] Zhen to Wudu to retrieve Cao Hong and others, and then returned to garrison at Chencang.

從至長安，領中領軍。是時，夏侯淵沒於陽平，太祖憂之。以真為征蜀護軍，督徐晃等破劉備別將高詳於陽平。太祖自至漢中，拔出諸軍，使真至武都迎曹洪等還屯陳倉。

When the Civil Emperor became King, he made [Cao] Zhen General who (Defends) the West with acting tally to command the military affairs in Yong and Liang Provinces. Remembering overall achievements, he was further enfeoffed as Marquis of Dong District. When Zhang Jin and others revolted at Jiuquan, [Cao] Zhen sent Fei Yao to suppress and defeat them, beheading [Zhang] Jin and others.

文帝即王位，以真為鎮西將軍，假節都督雍、涼州諸軍事。録前後功，進封東郷侯。張進等反於酒泉，真遣費耀討破之，斬進等。

In the 3rd year of the Huangchu era, [Cao Zhen] returned to the capital city, and was made Generalissimo of the Upper Army, Commander of Military Affairs Inside and Outside, and gave the knotted axe tally [possessing the Emperor's power]. He and Xiahou Shang went on an expedition against Sun Quan, attacking Niuzhu's garrison, and defeating them. He was transferred as Generalissimo of the Central Army and (geshizhong).

黃初三年還京都，以真為上軍大將軍，都督中外諸軍事，假節鉞。與夏侯尚等征孫權，擊牛渚屯，破之。轉拜中軍大將軍，加給事中。

In the 7th year, the Civil Emperor was severely ill, so [Cao] Zhen, with Chen Qun, the (Xuan) King of the Sima all received the last edict to assist in governance. When the Bright Emperor was enthroned, he further enfeoffed [Cao Zhen] as Marquis of Shaoling[1], and switched to be Generalissimo.

七年，文帝寢疾，真與陳羣、司馬宣王等受遺詔輔政。明帝即位，進封邵陵侯，〔一〕遷大將軍。

〔一〕Your servant Songzhi annotates that: [Cao] Zhen's father was named [Cao] Shao, but he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Shaoling. If this was not recorded by mistake, then this matter cannot be understood.

〔一〕臣松之案：真父名邵。封邵陵侯，若非書誤，則事不可論。

When Zhuge Liang sieged Mount Qi, the three commanderies of Nan'an, Tianshui, and Anding revolted as to respond to Liang. The Emperor sent [Cao] Zhen to supervise the various armies stationed at Mei. [Cao Zhen] sent Zhang He to attack [Zhuge] Liang's general, Ma Su, greatly defeating him. A person from Anding, Yang Tiao among others, seized the officials and people and [forced them to] guard the city [of Yuezhi] for months. [Cao] Zhen then had his army siege them. [Yang] Tiao told his army, "The Generalissimo has personally come. I think we should surrender early." They thus came out with hands tied. The three commanderies were all pacified. [Cao] Zhen, thinking that with [Zhuge] Liang's attack at Mount Qi, [Zhuge Liang] would later go towards Chencang, so he sent generals Hao Zhao and Wang Sheng to defend Chencang and govern the city. The spring of next year, [Zhuge] Liang really did siege Chencang, but there already having been preparations, he could not overcome. [Cao Zhen's] fief was increased, overall being 2,900 households.

諸葛亮圍祁山，南安、天水、安定三郡反應亮。帝遣真督諸軍軍郿，遣張郃擊亮將馬謖，大破之。安定民楊條等略吏民保月支城，真進軍圍之。條謂其衆曰：「大將軍自來，吾願早降耳。」遂自縛出。三郡皆平。真以亮懲於祁山，後出必從陳倉，乃使將軍郝昭、王生守陳倉，治其城。明年春，亮果圍陳倉，已有備而不能克。增邑，并前二千九百戶。

In the 4th year, he was given imperial audience at Luoyang, where he became Grand Major, was granted sword and shoe in the hall, and that in entering court, needn't hasten. [Cao] Zhen said, "The Shu regiments have repeatedly encroached our borders. We should thus attack them. From several routes, we will all enter, and can achieve a great defeat of them." The Emperor followed his plan. When [Cao] Zhen left for the western expeditions, the Emperor personally saw him leave. [Cao] Zhen left Chang'an in the 8th month, going through. Ziwu Road to enter the south. The (Xuan) King of the Sima sailed upstream the Han River, and would converge at Nanzheng. Of the various armies, some went through Yegu Road and some went through Wuwei. At the time, there was a continuous downpour for over 30 days, and some gallery roads were broken, an edict had [Cao] Zhen withdraw the army.

四年，朝洛陽，遷大司馬，賜劍履上殿，入朝不趨。真以「蜀連出侵邊境，宜遂伐之。數道並入，可大克也」。帝從其計。真當發西討，帝親臨送。真以八月發長安，從子午道南入。司馬宣王泝漢水，當會南鄭。諸軍或從斜谷道，或從武威入。會大霖雨三十餘日，或棧道斷絕，詔真還軍。

Descendants

When [Cao] Zhen was young, he, his clansman, Cao Zun, and a man from the [same] township, Zhu Zan all served the Grand Progenitor, When [Cao] Zun and [Zhu] Zan died early, [Cao] Zhen took pity on them, and begged to divide his fiefdom as to enfeoff the son(s) of [Cao] Zun and [Zhu] Zan. An edict stated, "The Grand Major has the benevolence of comforting orphans like Shu Shang and the principle to uphold old friendships like Yan Ping. As a gentleman should fulfill the wishes of others, we hereby allow the partition of [Cao] Zhen's fief to award the son(s) of [Cao] Zun and [Zhu] Zan to be nobility as Marquises within the Passes, each with a hundred households." Each time [Cao] Zhen was on an expedition, he and his soldiers shared the same labor and hardships. When the army's rewards weren't enough, [Zhen] would always use his family's wealth and award it as gifts, so his soldiers all were willing to be deployed. When [Cao] Zhen became ill, he returned to Luoyang, and the Emperor himself visited his mansion to examine his sickness. When [Cao] Zhen died, his posthumous title was the (Yuan) Marquis. His son, [Cao] Shuang, succeeded him. The Emperor thought back to [Cao] Zhen's achievements and issued an edict, stating, "The Grand Major has performed with loyalty and moral principles, assisting in service to my two ancestors. Inside, he never relied on his favor as a kinsman; outside, he was never condescending to scholars from humble origins. It can be said that he was capable in protecting his prosperity and maintaining his position. He is one with the virtue of diligence and modesty. I thus enfeoff all of [Cao] Zhen's five sons, [Cao] Xi, [Cao] Xun, [Cao] Ze, [Cao] Yan, and [Cao] Ai as noblemen." Previously, the Civil Emperor divided 200 households from [Cao] Zhen's fief and enfeoffed [Cao] Zhen's younger brother, [Cao] Bin, as a marquis.

真少與宗人曹遵、郷人朱讚並事太祖。遵、讚早亡，真愍之，乞分所食邑封遵、讚子。詔曰：「大司馬有叔向撫孤之仁，篤晏平久要之分。君子成人之羙，聽分真邑賜遵、讚子爵關內侯，各百戶。」真每征行，與將士同勞苦，軍賞不足，輒以家財班賜，士卒皆願為用。真病還洛陽，帝自幸其第省疾。真薨，謚曰元侯。子爽嗣。帝追思真功，詔曰：「大司馬蹈履忠節，佐命二祖，內不恃親戚之寵，外不驕白屋之士，可謂能持盈守位，勞謙其德者也。其悉封真五子羲、訓、則、彥、皚皆為列侯。」初，文帝分真邑二百戶，封真弟彬為列侯。

Cao Shuang

[Cao] Shuang was styled Zhaobo. When young, he was cautious and staid because of his royal relations. When the Bright Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, he especially was fond of [Cao Shuang]. When [the Bright Emperor] became Emperor, he became (sanqishilang), and he was eventually promoted to Commandant of the City Gates, and also (sanqichangshi), then General of of the Military Guards. He was given favorable treatment that was special. When the Emperor was extremely ill, he thus called [Cao] Shuang to enter the bedchambers, making him Generalissimo with the knotted axe tally [possessing the Emperor's power], and Commander of Military Affairs Inside and Outside, lushangshushi. He and the Elite Commandant; the (Xuan) King of the Sima together received the last edict to assist their young lord. When the Bright Emperor died, the Prince of Qi ascended the throne, and added the title of Palace Attendant to [Cao] Shuang, and changing his fief to Marquis of Wu'an; the fief being 12,000 households, and gifted the privilege of having sword and shoes in the court, and in entering the court, needn't hasten, and in paying respects, was not referred [by his forename, but by his title]. Ding Mi devised a plan, to have [Cao] Shuang petition the Son of Heaven and issue an edict having the assisting (Xuan) King to serve as Elite Tutor. Outside, they would honor him with the title, but inside, this would make the Secretariat's petitions come first to [Cao Shuang], who would control their importance.

爽字昭伯，少以宗室謹重，明帝在東宮，甚親愛之。及即位，為散騎侍郎，累遷城門校尉，加散騎常侍，轉武衞將軍，寵待有殊。帝寢疾，乃引爽入卧內，拜大將軍，假節鉞，都督中外諸軍事，錄尚書事，與太尉司馬宣王並受遺詔輔少主。明帝崩，齊王即位，加爽侍中，改封武安侯，邑萬二千戶，賜劍履上殿，入朝不趨，贊拜不名。丁謐畫策，使爽白天子，發詔轉宣王為太傅，外以名號尊之，內欲令尚書奏事，先來由己，得制其輕重也。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Cao] Shuang had his younger brother [Cao] Xi petition, stating, "Your minister's late father was [Cao] Zhen, who served the three courts. He entered [court] by humbly filling as the (zhongzai); he left [court] as a high-ranking general. The former Emperor had us treated like lungs and intestines* for his estate, and we were rewarded and rectified in promotions, as well as leading the soldiers of the forbidden palace, but in advancing, our behavior was not one of accumulated loyalty and respect; in retreating, our integrity was not one like lambs serving. When the Former Emperor's sagely body was unwell, although I rushed to him to attend to his illness and tasted the medicine, once there was no clear truth to him being certain [alive] the next day, I humbly received his last edict alongside the Grand Tutor; Sima Yi. I then was ashamed and afraid, but with no place to recount it. I heard that when Yu and Shun ordered the worthies, Ji and Qi were the foremost, and when Tang of Shang was praised for his merits, he had Yi [Yin] and Lü at the top. With careful selections and expansive recommendations, good and bad have found their places. This is truly the proper standard for those assisting the world and leaders of the people, and the regulations and rules to record achievements and reward merits. Ever since the past, there are no faults with such [systems]. Now as I am shallow and foolish, despite me being high in position and chief in court, I look back and think that we have broke order. I feel afraid due to shame. So I dare to use all my sincere feelings to express my emotions with the utmost sincerity. In the world, there are three things that are highly esteemed: virtue, title, and age. [Sima] Yi is naturally wise and fair, occupying the position of a high-ranking Excellency. His reputation is sufficient for the masses to submit; his righteousness capable of leading those below him. That is the first. He thinks of grand strategies, and is capable in civil and military affairs. He often establishes merits in conquering and subjugating, with attributed achievements far and near. That is the second. [Across] tens of thousands of (li) to return [with his army] to personally receive the last edict, which is to assist the imperial family, those outside and inside revere that! That is the third. In addition to being a venerable elder, he has bound the order of the empire, being compassionate and supportive in court. His judgment of virtue exceeds Ji Fu and Fan Zhong; his assessment of merits exceeds Fangshu and Shao Hu. Of all the names mentioned, [Sima] Yi truly has all [of these strengths]! I hold empty titles but am positioned as his superior. The people of the world shall soon say that I am treated well due to being a royal clansman, that I know when to advance but being ignorant of retreating. Your Majesty is clever and intelligent, able to discern right or wrong as well as good and evil. If it happened that you were to examine my words, I believe you ought to have [Sima] Yi be Grand Tutor and Grand Major. Firstly, your luminous Majesty shall advance the wisdom of promoting the worthy; secondly, to illustrate the truth of Yi having civil and military talent; lastly, it would have this humble servant free from ridicule.

* trusted officials

〔一〕《魏書》曰：爽使弟羲為表曰：「臣亡父真，奉事三朝，入備冢宰，出為上將。先帝以臣肺腑遺緒，獎飭拔擢，典兵禁省，進無忠恪積累之行，退無羔羊自公之節。先帝聖體不豫，臣雖奔走，侍疾嘗藥，曾無精誠翼日之應，猥與太尉懿俱受遺詔，且慙且懼，靡所厎告。臣聞虞舜序賢，以稷、契為先，成湯襃功，以伊、呂為首，審選博舉，優劣得所，斯誠輔世長民之大經，錄勳報功之令典，自古以來，未之或闕。今臣虛闇，位冠朝首，顧惟越次，中心愧惕，敢竭愚情，陳寫至實。夫天下之達道者三，謂德、爵、齒也。懿本以高明中正，處上司之位，名足鎮衆，義足率下，一也。包懷大略，允文允武，仍立征伐之勳，遐邇歸功，二也。萬里旋斾，親受遺詔，翼亮皇家，內外所向，三也。加之耆艾，紀綱邦國，體練朝政；論德則過於吉甫、樊仲；課功則踰於方叔、召虎：凡此數者，懿實兼之。臣抱空名而處其右，天下之人將謂臣以宗室見私，知進而不知退。陛下岐嶷，克明克類，如有以察臣之言，臣以為宜以懿為太傅、大司馬，上昭陛下進賢之明，中顯懿身文武之實，下使愚臣免於謗誚。」

Hence, the emperor had the Supervisor of the Central Bureau;Liu Fang order Sun Zi to make an edict saying, “In the past, Wu Han assisted the Guangwu [Emperor]. He having the merits of campaigning and pacifying the four directions, he was made Grand Major. His reputation is still praised today. The Grand Commandant’s temperament and behavior are upright, his merits surpassing all within the seas. The former emperor originally wished to promote him, but this did not last long [as he died]. Therefore, it was very slow to implement such. Now the Generalissimo has recommended the Grand Commandant as appropriate to be the Grand Major. This is not only in alignment with the former emperor’s original intentions, but also a behavior of virtuous rejection in order to advance his virtue and esteem his merit. This is his intent to make the virtuous and good known, distinguish positions, and follow seniority. Even the likes of [the Duke of Zhou;] Dan and the [Duke of Shao;] Shi revered Lü Wang like a teacher, they thought to crane their necks [wait eagerly] so as to place [themselves] below him. How can that be faulted? I greatly praise that. I believe that the former emperor certainly knew that a gentleman rejoices in Heaven and understands destiny, that minor obstacles and trifling doubts were not enough of a worry. He must have reflected on the story of Bairen and Pengwang*, therefore hesitating. And so his wish [to promote Sima Yi] was not fulfilled! This is also the former emperor’s deep respect for high officials, and great kindness and profound favor to the greatest. Of old, the (Cheng) King established the rank of Guardian-Tutor; more recently, the (Xian) Ancestor made Deng Yu the Elite Tutor. All of this was for those with ability, respect, brilliance, and virtue. It is certainly prestigious! Hence we should have the Grand Commandant be the Grand Tutor."

*Bairen and Pengwang - Liu Bang once wished to rest and went past a place named 柏人 (Bairen), he found the name inauspicious (The name can be interpreted as to “force someone”) and decided to not rest there. It so happened that there was a plot to assassinate him there, so Liu Bang escaped danger because he did not choose to stay there. Conversely, when Cen Peng was fighting Gongsun Shu, he once was at a place called 彭亡 (Peng Wang), he disliked the name (because it can be interpreted as “Peng dies”) but decided to settle his army for the night there anyway. He was then assassinated there that night.

於是帝使中書監劉放令孫資為詔曰：「昔吳漢佐光武，有征定四方之功，為大司馬，名稱于今。太尉體履正直，功蓋海內，先帝本以前後欲更其位者，輒不彌乆，是以遲遲不施行耳。今大將軍薦太尉宜為大司馬，旣合先帝本旨，又放推讓，進德尚勳，乃欲明賢良、辯等列、順長少也。雖旦、奭之屬，宗師呂望，念在引領以處其下，何以過哉！朕甚嘉焉。朕惟先帝固知君子樂天知命，纖介細疑，不足為忌，當顧栢人彭亡之文，故用低佪，有意未遂耳！斯亦先帝敬重大臣，恩愛深厚之至也。昔成王建保傅之官，近漢顯宗以鄧禹為太傅，皆所以優崇儁乂，必有尊也。其以太尉為太傅。」

Of [Cao] Shuang's younger brothers, [Cao] Xi served as Leader of the Central Army, [Cao] Xun as General of the Marial Guards, [Cao] Yan as Regular Mounted Attendant and Attending Expositor, and the remaining younger brothers all became noblemen that attended [the Emperor]. They could leave or enter the palace, and of their conferred favor, none could surpass. He Yan of Nanyang, Deng Yang, Li Sheng, Ding Mi of Pei Commandery, and Bi Gui of Dongping all had reputation, and they wished to advance at the times. The Bright Emperor, because they were superficial and ostentatious, had them all demoted and expelled, but when [Cao] Shuang assisted in governance, he again promoted them by their status, and they served as his belly and heart. [Deng] Yang and the others wanted [Cao] Shuang to establish a mighty prestige and reputation in the realm, and urged an attack on Shu. [Cao] Shuang followed their words, and the (Xuan) King's opposition to them were unable to stop [Cao Shuang].

爽弟羲為中領軍，訓武衞將軍，彥散騎常侍侍講，其餘諸弟皆以列侯侍從，出入禁闥，貴寵莫盛焉。南陽何晏、鄧颺、李勝、沛國丁謐、東平畢軌咸有聲名，進趣於時，明帝以其浮華，皆抑黜之；及爽秉政，乃復進叙，任為腹心。颺等欲令爽立威名於天下，勸使伐蜀，爽從其言，宣王止之不能禁。

In the 5th year of the Zhengshi era, [Cao] Shuang went west to Chang'an, and there was a great recruitment of soldiers of sixty or seventy thousand men, and they invaded from Luo Valley. At the time, within the passes, the Di and Qiang's transportations could not provide supplies, and many oxen, horses, mules, and donkeys died. The non-Han populace cried loudly along the road. After entering the valley and travelling for hundreds of li, the enemies were fortified because of the mountains, and the army could not advance. [Cao] Shuang's army advisor, Yang Wei, explained the current situation for Shuang, that they ought to retreat, or else be defeated.[1] [Deng] Yang and [Yang] Wei debated before [Cao] Shuang. [Yang] Wei stated, "[Deng] Yang and [Li] Sheng will ruin important national affairs! They should be executed!" [Cao] Shuang was displeased, but led the army back.[2]

正始五年，爽乃西至長安，大發卒六七萬人，從駱谷入。是時，關中及氐、羌轉輸不能供，牛馬騾驢多死，民夷號泣道路。入谷行數百里，賊因山為固，兵不得進。爽參軍楊偉為爽陳形勢，宜急還，不然將敗。〔一〕颺與偉爭於爽前，偉曰：「颺、勝將敗國家事，可斬也。」爽不悅，乃引軍還。〔二〕

〔一〕The Sayings of the World state: [Yang] Wei, styled Shiying, was from Pingyi. When the Bright Emperor built a palace, [Yang] Wei admonished and said, "Now with the construction of the palace, you have cut down trees above the graves of people, and dismantled stele beasts* and stone pillars. This is an stele calamity to the deceased and agonizes the hearts of filial sons. You cannot let this became a standard for future generations."

* stele beasts were in front of tombs

〔一〕《世語》曰：偉字世英，馮翊人。明帝治宮室，偉諫曰：「今作宮室，斬伐生民墓上松柏，毀壞碑獸石柱，辜及亡人，傷孝子心，不可以為後世之法則。」

〔二〕The Spring and Autumn of Han and Jin states: The (Xuan) King of the Sima told Xiahou Xuan, saying, "The Spring and Autumn obligates us to be great in virtue for its importance. Of old, when the Martial and August Emperor again entered Hanzhong, almost was he greatly defeated; you know of such. Now the situation of Xingping's roads have shown its difficulty and Shu will be controlling it first. If one advances but cannot win a battle, when they retreat, they will be intercepted. The destruction of the army is certain. How will this responsibility [of such damage] be bore!" [Xiahou] Xuan was afraid, told this to [Cao] Shuang, hence he led the army to withdraw. Fei Yi advanced with an army, and occupied three high mountains to intercept [Cao] Shuang. [Cao] Shuang contended on rugged [terrain] and bitterly fought. Only then was he able to cross. The dispatched oxen and horses for transport had all died, being lost in the end. The Qiang and Hu resented and sighed [over this]. The right of the [Tong] Pass was entirely empty and wasted.

〔二〕《漢晉春秋》曰：司馬宣王謂夏侯玄曰：「《春秋》責大德重，昔武皇帝再入漢中，幾至大敗，君所知也。今興平路勢至險，蜀已先據；若進不獲戰，退見徼絕，覆軍必矣。將何以任其責！」玄懼，言於爽，引軍退。費禕進兵據三嶺以截爽，爽爭嶮苦戰，僅乃得過。所發牛馬運轉者，死失略盡，羌、胡怨歎，而關右悉虛耗矣。

Previously, [Cao] Shuang, because the (Xuan) King's years and virtue were both high, constantly [treated him] like a father, and did not dare act arbitrarily. When [He] Yan and the others advanced to be used, all of them together supported him, and said to [Cao] Shuang that power is too important, so it should not be trusted to other people. He thus made [He] Yan, [Deng] Yang, and [Ding] Mi to be Secretariats. [He] Yan controlled the selections and nominations, [Bi] Gui was Colonel who Directs Affairs, [Li] Sheng was Intendant of Henan; in those various matters, they rarely ever went through the (Xuan) King. The (Xuan) King thus claimed illness to avoid [Cao] Shuang.[1] [He] Yan and the others controlled the government, together dividing up Luoyang's and Yewang's Agriculture Division's fields of several hundred qings, destroyed private fiefs* to take them as personal property, and relied on their power to seize government property and to also request what they wished for from the provinces and commanderies. The officials observed the situation, and there was none that dared not disobey their wills [as they were powerful]. [He] Yan and others had long been disharmonious with Minister of Justice; Lu Yu, and when Lu Yu's subordinate officials made a minor mistake, [He Yan and the others] wrote grave reports so as to cause Lu Yu to be punished by law, had officials in charge confiscate [Lu] Yu's seal and ribbon, and only afterwards was their petition heard. Their use of their authority was in this way.

*湯沐 is to bath, but here is a reference to fief lands or properties awarded to officials.

初，爽以宣王年德並高，恒父事之，不敢專行。及晏等進用，咸共推戴，說爽以權重不宜委之於人。乃以晏、颺、謐為尚書，晏典選舉，軌司隷校尉，勝河南尹，諸事希復由宣王。宣王遂稱疾避爽。〔一〕晏等專政，共分割洛陽、野王典農部桑田數百頃，及壞湯沐地以為產業，承勢竊取官物，因緣求欲州郡。有司望風，莫敢忤旨。晏等與廷尉盧毓素有不平，因毓吏微過，深文致毓法，使主者先收毓印綬，然後奏聞。其作威如此。

〔一〕Previously, the (Xuan) King, because [Cao] Shuang was a trusted minister of Wei, always placed him before himself, and [Cao] Shuang, because the (Xuan) King's reputation was high, also lowered himself to a humbler position. At that time this was praised. After Ding Mi and Bi Gui and others were advanced and appointed, they repeatedly said to [Cao] Shuang, "The (Xuan) King has great ambitions and he has won the people's hearts greatly, so you cannot treat him with too much sincerity and trust." From this, [Cao] Shuang would constantly be suspicious.. Although the courtesy and respect remained, all new proceedings no longer went through the (Xuan) King. The (Xuan) King's powers could not counter this, and he was also afraid of disaster, and so he avoided [Cao Shuang].

〔一〕初，宣王以爽魏之肺腑，每推先之，爽以宣王名重，亦引身卑下，當時稱焉。丁謐、畢軌等旣進用，數言於爽曰：「宣王有大志而甚得民心，不可以推誠委之。」由是爽恒猜防焉。禮貌雖存，而諸所興造，皆不復由宣王。宣王力不能爭，且懼其禍，故避之。

[What Cao] Shuang drank and ate, as well as his chariots and clothing, imitated that of the Emperor’s. Imperial treasures and toys filled his house while his wives and concubines filled his rear courtyard. He also secretly took seven or eight of the Former Emperor’s Talent Concubines, along with military and civil officials, musicians, drummers, and sons and daughters from good families, which totalled 33 people, to have them all serve as his musicians and performers. He forged imperial orders and documents to send fifty-seven Talent Concubines to Ye Terrace, where he had the Former Emperor’s Favoured Beauties teach them how to be good performers. He took the Grand Musician’s musical instruments and the Military Warehouse’s prohibited weapons without permission. He made cavern residences*, with fine engraving all around, and repeatedly met with [He] Yan and the others inside, drinking liquor and enjoying themselves. [Cao] Xi was greatly worried by this and repeatedly admonished them to stop. He also wrote three passages explaining how excessive arrogance and indulgence would lead to disaster and failure. His words were heartfelt, but he did not dare reproach [Cao] Shuang [specifically], therefore on the pretext of admonishing his various younger brothers did he show it to [Cao] Shuang. However, [Cao] Shuang knew this was for him and was very displeased. [Cao] Xi would sometimes, because his admonishments went unheeded, would weep and rise [then leave].

*窟室 - These were effectively basements with the sole purpose of leisure.

爽飲食車服擬於乘輿，尚方珍玩充牣其家，妻妾盈後庭，又私取先帝才人七八人，及將吏、師工、鼓吹、良家子女三十三人，皆以為伎樂。詐作詔書，發才人五十七人送鄴臺，使先帝婕妤教習為伎。擅取太樂樂器、武庫禁兵。作窟室，綺疏四周，數與晏等會其中，飲酒作樂。羲深以為大憂，數諫止之。又著書三篇，陳驕淫盈溢之致禍敗，辭旨甚切，不敢斥爽，託戒諸弟以示爽。爽知其為己發也，甚不恱。羲或時以諫喻不納，涕泣而起。宣王密為之備。九年冬，李勝出為荊州刺史，往詣宣王。宣王稱疾困篤，示以羸形。勝不能覺，謂之信然。

The (Xuan) King secretly made preparations against them. In the winter of the 9th year, Li Sheng was deployed as Inspector of Jing Province, and on the way visited the (Xuan) King. The (Xuan) King claimed his illness was severe, displaying his weak figure. [Li] Sheng could not perceive [his true intentions], thinking it was genuine.

宣王密為之備。九年冬，李勝出為荊州刺史，往詣宣王。宣王稱疾困篤，示以羸形。勝不能覺，謂之信然。〔一〕

〔一〕[Cao] Shuang and the others ordered [Li] Sheng bid farewell to the (Xuan) King, taking the opportunity to examine and observe him. When the Xuan King met [Li] Sheng, [Li] Sheng explained that he had no personal achievements, but suddenly received the kindness of his time, and was appointed to his home province. He visited [the (Xuan) King's] bedroom to bid farewell, but did not expect any further kindness. He was able to be led to meet [the (Xuan) King]. The (Xuan) King ordered two maidservants to attend at his side, grasped robes, and the robes drooped down. He also pointed up at his mouth, saying that he craved a drink. When the maidservants presented porridge, the (Xuan) King grasped the cup so as to drink the porridge, and the porridge spilled all over his chest. [Li] Sheng felt pity, crying because of it. He told the (Xuan) King, "Presently, the Supreme Ruler is still young, so the realm relies upon your Enlightened Excellency. Yet, when the masses have felt and said that your Enlightened Excellency was old and ill, who would have thought your esteemed body would be like this?"

〔一〕《魏末傳》曰：爽等令勝辭宣王，并伺察焉。宣王見勝，勝自陳無他功勞，橫蒙時恩，當為本州，詣閤拜辭，不悟加恩，得蒙引見。宣王令兩婢侍邊，持衣，衣落；復上指口，言渴求飲，婢進粥，宣王持杯飲粥，粥皆流出沾胷。勝愍然，為之涕泣，謂宣王曰：「今主上尚幼，天下恃賴明公。然衆情謂明公方舊風疾發，何意尊體乃爾！」

The Xuan King had to slowly speak, so as to be able to breathe properly, he said: ”I am old with a serious ailment. My death is imminent. You will serve Bing Province, unbefitting for you. Bing Province is close to the Hu, and you must serve skillfully and prudently. I fear that we will no longer see each other. What to do?” [Li] Sheng said:” I am returning with the privilege to serve my home province, not Bing Province.” The Xuan King again feigned confusion, saying:” When you reach Bing Province, work hard and take care of yourself!” His words were disordered as if speaking nonsense. [Li] Sheng again said:” I have the privilege to serve Jing Province, not Bing Province.”

宣王徐更寬言，才令氣息相屬，說：「年老沈疾，死在旦夕。君當屈并州，并州近胡，好善為之，恐不復相見，如何！」勝曰：「當還忝本州，非并州也。」宣王乃復陽為昏謬，曰：「君方到并州，努力自愛！」錯亂其辭，狀如荒語。勝復曰：「當忝荊州，非并州也。」

The Xuan King, as if he slightly understood this, said to [Li] Sheng: “I am old and my mind is unclear, and so I could not understand what you were saying. Now that you are returning to your home province as its inspector, you should foster virtue and bravery, act well and establish great achievements. Now I shall see you off. I realize that my spirit and strength is declining, and we will certainly not meet again in the future. Ergo, I wish to personally act as your insignificant host, and we will together split ways between life and death. I will command [my sons], brothers [Sima] Shi and [Sima] Zhao, to be your friends. You cannot abandon and leave each other. Assist this trivial wish of mine.” He then wept and sobbed. [Li] Sheng also deeply sighed, and answered: “I am only here to receive your teachings, and must await imperial orders.”

宣王乃若微悟者，謂勝曰：「懿年老，意荒忽，不解君言。今還為本州刺史，盛德壯烈，好建功勳。今當與君別，自顧氣力轉微，後必不更會，因欲自力，設薄主人，生死共別。令師、昭兄弟結君為友，不可相舍去，副懿區區之心。」因流涕哽咽。勝亦長歎，荅曰：「輒當承教，須待勑命。」

[Li] Sheng took leave, then met with Shuang and others, saying, "The Elite Tutor's speech was very confused. His mouth could not (get near) the cup and he pointed south as north. He also said I would serve in Bing Province, and I answered that I am returning to serve in Jing Province, not Bing Province. I had to speak slowly with him and when he could recognize me did he understand that I am returning to serve in Jing Province. He also wished to serve as a host to send me off. We should not abandon him, we should care for him."

He then faced [Cao] Shuang and the others wept, saying, "The Grand Tutor’s illness cannot be cured that it makes one grieve!"

勝辭出，與爽等相見，說：「太傅語言錯誤，口不攝杯，指南為北。又云吾當作并州，吾荅言當還為荊州，非并州也。徐徐與語，有識人時，乃知當還為荊州耳。又欲設主人祖送。不可舍去，宜須待之。」更向爽等垂淚云：「太傅患不可復濟，令人愴然。」

In the first month of the 10th year, the imperial chariot paid respects at Gaoping Mausoleum, and [Cao] Shuang and his brothers all followed.[1] The (Xuan) King deployed soldiers, first occupying the armory, then set out to station at the Luo River's floating bridges.

十年正月，車駕朝高平陵，爽兄弟皆從。〔一〕宣王部勒兵馬，先據武庫，遂出屯洛水浮橋。

The (Xuan) King memorialised the throne about [Cao] Shuang, "When I, your servant, formerly returned from Liaodong, the former emperor had Your Majesty, the Prince of Qin, and I board the imperial bed. He held my arms, and expressed profound concerns for future matters. I said, 'The two Progenitors also entrusted me with future affairs that they expressed profound concerns over; this Your Majesty has personally seen, so there is nothing to be deeply worried about. If there is anything not to your wishes, then shall carry out your wise edicts, even by death.' The Prefect of Yellow Gates; Dong Ji among others and the Talent Concubines that attended to the illness all heard and know about this. Now the Generalissimo; [Cao] Shuang forsakes the [former emperor's] last wish, ruining the state's laws. On the inside, he oversteps his authority to be like [the emperor]; on the outside, he monopolizes and abuses power. He has destroyed various regiments, occupied all of the imperial weaponry, appointed his cronies to offices with key positions, Of the long-serving palace guards, the old ones that have served multiple reigns have all been castigated and removed by him, and he has wanted to replace them with new ones that will further his personal goals; such foundations are like coiled teeth, and he has become increasingly indulgent and unrestrained by the day. In addition to already being like this, he has also used a man of the Yellow Gates, Zhang Dang, as Commander-supervisor, specifically to collude between [him and the Yellow Gates]. He has monitored the Utmost Esteemed, pried into emperorship, alienated the 2 palaces [the Emperor and the Empress Dowager], and harmed [the intimate relations of] bone and flesh. The realm is in great turmoil and the people are worried and afraid, yet Your Majesty is but dependent on them for the throne. How could this lead to lasting peace? This is not the former emperor's original intentions when he recounted his edict to Your Majesty and I when were up the imperial bed. I may be decrepit and senile, but would I dare forget past words? Previously, when Zhao Gao did as he willed, the Qin dynasty was exterminated, but when the Lü and Huo [clans] were removed early, the Han's blessings went on forever. These are great lessons for Your Majesty and also the time for me to receive orders."[2]

奏爽曰：「臣昔從遼東還，先帝詔陛下、秦王及臣升御牀，把臣臂，深以後事為念。臣言『二祖亦屬臣以後事為念，此自陛下所見，無所憂苦；萬一有不如意，臣當以死奉明詔』。黃門令董箕等，才人侍疾者，皆所聞知。今大將軍爽背棄顧命，敗亂國典，內則僭擬，外專威權；破壞諸營，盡據禁兵，羣官要職，皆置所親；殿中宿衞，歷世舊人皆復斥出，欲置新人以樹私計；根據槃牙，縱恣日甚。外旣如此，又以黃門張當為都監，專共交關，看察至尊，候伺神器，離間二宮，傷害骨肉。天下汹汹，人懷危懼，陛下但為寄坐，豈得久安！此非先帝詔陛下及臣升御牀之本意也。臣雖朽邁，敢忘往言？昔趙高極意，秦氏以滅；呂、霍早斷，漢祚永世。此乃陛下之大鑒，臣受命之時也。」

The Grand Commandant; your servant [Jiang] Ji and the Prefect of the Secretariat; your servant [Sima] Fu and others all believe [Cao] Shuang was acting with the mindset of no lord and that his brothers should not lead the imperial troops. This has been petitioned to Yongning Palace; the Empress Dowager has ordered us to do as was petitioned. I then ordered the relevant managers and Prefect of the Yellow Gates to remove [Cao] Shuang, [Cao] Xi, and [Cao] Xun of their official titles and troops, returning to their residences as marquises. They are not allowed to remain so as to delay the imperial chariot; dare they delay, then they will be handled with military law. I at once, having toiled to support my sick body, have commanded troops to garrison at the Luo River's floating bridge so as to observe and watch out for any abnormalities.

「太尉臣濟、尚書令臣孚等，皆以爽為有無君之心，兄弟不宜典兵宿衞，奏永寧宮。皇太后令勑臣如奏施行。臣輒勑主者及黃門令罷爽、羲、訓吏兵，以侯就第，不得逗留以稽車駕；敢有稽留，便以軍法從事。臣輙力疾，將兵屯洛水浮橋，伺察非常。」〔二〕

〔一〕The Sayings of the World states: [Cao] Shuang and his brothers previously often went out together to travel. Huan Fan said to them, "[For those] that control a myriad of matters and manage imperial troops, it is inappropriate to go out together. If there was [someone] who will close the city gates [on you], who will let you in?" [Cao] Shuang said, "Who'd dare do that?!" Because of this, [Cao Shuang and his brothers] did not go out together again until the [travel to Gaoping] had all went out [together] again.

〔一〕《世語》曰：爽兄弟先是數俱出游，桓範謂曰：「總萬機，典禁兵，不宜並出，若有閉城門，誰復內人者？」爽曰：「誰敢爾邪！」由此不復並行。至是乃盡出也。

〔二〕The Sayings of the World states: The Sayings of the World states: Originally, the (Xuan) King commanded soldiers to head to an arsenal from the palace. When they were at [Cao] Shuang's [residence] gates, someone forced the carriage to a halt. [Cao] Shuang's wife, [Lady] Liu, was afraid, went out to the office, and said to the subordinate stationed commander, "His Excellency is outside. Now that troops have risen, what to do?" The commander replied, "Fear not, Madam." He then proceeded to ascend the gate tower, drawing bow and inserting arrows, wanting to shoot. General Sun Qian at his rear stopped him, saying, "The realm's affairs are not yet known!" Such [exchanges] occurred thrice, then (Xuan) King was finally able to pass.

〔二〕《世語》曰：初，宣王勒兵從闕下趣武庫，當爽門，人逼車住。爽妻劉怖，出至廳事，謂帳下守督曰：「公在外。今兵起，如何？」督曰：「夫人勿憂。」乃上門樓，引弩注箭欲發。將孫謙在後牽止之曰：「天下事未可知！」如此者三，宣王遂得過去。

[Cao] Shuang got the (Xuan) King's memorial, but did not understand it.[1] When pressed, he did not know what to do with it.[1] When the Minister of Finance; Huan Fan of Pei State heard the rising of troops, he did not answer the Empress Dowager's summon, but pretended to act with an edict by opening Pingchang gates, drawing swords and halberds, seizing control of the gate captains, and rushing south to [Cao] Shuang. The (Xuan) King knew of this, saying, "[Huan] Fan crafts strategies, but [Cao] Shuang will surely not use [Huan] Fan's plans." [Huan] Fan told [Cao] Shuang to have the imperial carriage go to Xuchang, so as to recruit soldiers outside [the capital]. The [Cao] Shuang brothers were hesitant and undecided, [Huan] Fan again said to [Cao] Yi: “At where we are today, your family is asking to become poor and lowly. Would that be allowed? Moreover, when a commoner is seizing one hostage, they wish to live. Now you and the Son of Heaven are following each other. In issuing orders to the realm; who would dare not respond?” [Cao] Xi still did not heed him. Palace Attendant Xu Yun and Secretariat Chen Tai persuaded [Cao] Shuang to quickly turn himself in for his crimes. [Cao] Shuang therefore sent [Xu] Yun and [Chen] Tai to visit the (Xuan) King, admitting his crimes and pleading for death, and then pass the (Xuan) King's petition [to the Emperor].[2] Therefore, the [Cao] Shuang brothers were dismissed, returning to their residences as Marquis.[3]

爽得宣王奏事，不通，迫窘不知所為。〔一〕大司農沛國桓範聞兵起，不應太后召，矯詔開平昌門，拔取劒戟，略將門候，南奔爽。宣王知，曰：「範畫策，爽必不能用範計。」範說爽使車駕幸許昌，招外兵。爽兄弟猶豫未決，範重謂羲曰：「當今日，卿門戶求貧賤復可得乎？且匹夫持質一人，尚欲望活，今卿與天子相隨，令於天下，誰敢不應者？」羲猶不能納。侍中許允、尚書陳泰說爽，使早自歸罪。爽於是遣允、泰詣宣王，歸罪請死，乃通宣王奏事。〔二〕遂免爽兄弟，以侯還第。〔三〕

〔一〕Gan Bao's Annals of Jin states: [Cao] Shuang left the imperial carriage to be south of Yi River, while he cut trees to make an abatis, calling up and garrisoning thousands of armored soldiers to defend.

〔一〕干寶《晉紀》曰：爽留車駕宿伊水南，伐木為鹿角，發屯甲兵數千人以為衞。

Biographies at the End of Wei states: The (Xuan) King told his younger brother [Sima] Fu, "His Majesty is outside and must not sleep in the open. Quickly send curtains and cutleries of the imperial chef towards his location."

《魏末傳》曰：宣王語弟孚，「陛下在外不可露宿，促送帳幔、太官食具詣行在所」。

〔二〕Gan Bao's Book of Jin states: When Huan Fan went towards [Cao] Shuang, the (Xuan) King told Jiang Ji, "The Bag of Wisdom has departed." [Jiang] Ji said, "[Huan] Fan is intelligent, but like a mediocre horse attached towards stable beans, [Cao] Shuang will certainly be unable to use him."

〔二〕干寶《晉書》曰：桓範出赴爽，宣王謂蔣濟曰：「智囊往矣。」濟曰：「範則智矣，駑馬戀棧豆，爽必不能用也。」

The Sayings of the World states: The Xuan King had Xu Yun and Chen Tai explain [the situation] to [Cao] Shuang, and Jiang Ji also wrote letters to communicate the Xuan King's orders. Also sent was [Cao] Shuang's trusted Palace Colonel; Yin Damu to tell [Cao] Shuang that it would only be the dismissal of [Cao] Shuang, swearing an oath on the Luo River. [Cao] Shuang believed this and [thus] disbanded his troops.

《世語》曰：宣王使許允、陳泰解語爽，蔣濟亦與書達宣王之旨，又使爽所信殿中校尉尹大目謂爽，唯免官而已，以洛水為誓。爽信之，罷兵。

The Annals of the Wei Clan states: When [Cao] disbanded his troops, he said: "I have not lost [the status of] being a wealthy gentleman!" [Huan] Fan cried, saying: "Cao Zidan was a great man, but beget you brothers, mere calves! How could he have foreseen that today, you all would be guilty of the extermination of your entire clan!”

《魏氏春秋》曰：爽旣罷兵，曰：「我不失作富家翁。」範哭曰：「曹子丹佳人，生汝兄弟，犢耳！何圖今日坐汝等族滅矣！」

〔三〕Biographies at the End of Wei states: The [Cao] Shuang brothers returned home. An imperial order had Luoyang County dispatch 800 men from Luoyang county and had commandants surround [Cao] Shuang's residence's four corners, setting up high towers at each corner and ordering people to be at the top so as to monitor the [Cao] Shuang brothers' actions. [Cao] Shuang's plans were exhausted and he felt depressed, that he held a crossbow in going to the back garden. People on the tower immediately called out, "The former Generalissimo heads southeast!" [Cao] Shuang returned to his office where he discussed with his brothers. They could not understand the depth of the (Xuan) King's intentions, so he wrote a letter to the (Xuan) King stating, “The lowly child Shuang in grief and afraid, because of insolence caused disaster, and should be exterminated. Previously sent family servants to receive grains, yet till now have not returned. For several days we are lacking [grains], and now trouble you for rations in order to continue [living] day and night." When the (Xuan) King received the letter, he was greatly surprised, and immediately answered the letter with, "Previously, I was unaware you were lacking, and I felt deeply disturbed. I have now ordered the sending of 100 hu of rice together with dried meat , salted soy sauce, and soybeans." It was soon sent. The [Cao] Shuang brothers did not understand the art of changing [vagaries], so they were immediately pleased, saying that they would not die.

〔三〕魏末傳曰：爽兄弟歸家，勑洛陽縣發民八百人，使尉部圍爽第四角，角作高樓，令人在上望視爽兄弟舉動。爽計窮愁悶，持彈到後園中，樓上人便唱言「故大將軍東南行！」爽還廳事上，與兄弟共議，未知宣王意深淺，作書與宣王曰：「賤子爽哀惶恐怖，無狀招禍，分受屠滅，前遣家人迎糧，于今未反，數日乏匱，當煩見餉，以繼旦夕。」宣王得書大驚，即荅書曰：「初不知乏糧，甚懷踧踖。令致米一百斛，并肉脯、鹽豉、大豆。」尋送。爽兄弟不達變數，即便喜歡，自謂不死。

Previously, Zhang Dang privately sent selected the Talent Concubines, Zhang and He among others, to [Cao] Shang. There was a suspicion they had treason[ous thoughts], and so [Zhang] Dang was arrested to be punished for his crimes.There was a meeting of the Excellencies, Ministers, and court officials to discuss in the court. They believed: “By the Spring and Autumn's principles, 'To rulers and family, there should not be rebellion. Rebel, and you will definitely be killed'. [Cao] Shuang, as a clan branch, received special favor for generations, personally received the former emperor's edict as they held hands, entrusted with the realm. Yet he harboured treacherous intentions, belittling and abandoning the posthumous edict, that he, [He] Yan, [Deng] Yang, and [Zhang] Dang among others plotted for emperorship, while [Huan] Fan was associated with these criminals. All of them committed a great treason, acting so immorally." And so there was the arrest of [Cao] Shuang, [Cao] Xi, [Cao] Xun, [He] Yan, [Deng] Yang, [Ding] Mi, [Bi] Gui, [Li] Sheng, [Huan] Fan, [Zhang] Dang among others. All of them were executed, their clans exterminated to the third degree. [1] During the Jiaping era, there was a continuation of meritorious officials' descendants; enfeoffed was [Cao] Zhen's junior clansman, [Cao] Xi, as Marquis of Xinchang District; the fief was 300 households. This was so as to serve as [Cao] Zhen's lineage.[2]

初，張當私以所擇才人張、何等與爽。疑其有姦，收當治罪。當陳爽與晏等陰謀反逆，並先習兵，須三月中欲發，於是收晏等下獄。會公卿朝臣廷議，以為「春秋之義，『君親無將，將而必誅』。爽以支屬，世蒙殊寵，親受先帝握手遺詔，託以天下，而包藏禍心，蔑棄顧命，乃與晏、颺及當等謀圖神器，範黨同罪人，皆為大逆不道」。於是收爽、羲、訓、晏、颺、謐、軌、勝、範、當等，皆伏誅，夷三族。〔一〕嘉平中，紹功臣世，封真族孫熈為新昌亭侯，邑三百戶，以奉真後。〔二〕

〔一〕

Deng Yang

The Summary of Wei states: Deng Yang, styled Xuanmao, was Deng Yu's descendant. When he was young, he gained a reputation as a scholar in the capital. During the Ming Emperor's reign, [Deng] Yang served as (Shangshulang), then conferred Prefect of Luoyang. He was convicted and removed. [Later] ,he was conferred Palace Gentleman and also entered as Gentleman of the Central Secretariat. Previously, [Deng] Yang and Li Sheng were of the superficial and flamboyant friends, and when they were in the Central Secretariat, the "superficial and flamboyant incident" occurred. They were dismissed and sent out and forth with never re-used. At the beginning of the Zhengshi era, he went out to become Grand Administrator of Yingchuan, then switched to Chief Clerk to the Generalissimo, then became Palace Attendant and Secretariat. [Deng] Yang was a person who enjoyed valuables. Previously, when he was in an inner office, he promised Zang Ai that he would receive a high-ranking office. [Zang] Ai had his father's concubine given to Yang, so those in the capital had a saying that said, "That Deng Xuanmao who had a post exchanged for a wife!" Of each of his recommendations, many were close to this. As such, He Yan recommended incompetent people very much because [Deng] Yang was not just and honest. He thus shared [Deng Yang’s] crime, probably because formations of friendship was not his talent.

〔一〕《魏略》曰：鄧颺字玄茂，鄧禹後也。少得士名於京師。明帝時為尚書郎，除洛陽令，坐事免，拜中郎，又入兼中書郎。初，颺與李勝等為浮華友，及在中書，浮華事發，被斥出，遂不復用。正始初，乃出為潁川太守，轉大將軍長史，遷侍中尚書。颺為人好貨，前在內職，許臧艾授以顯官，艾以父妾與颺，故京師為之語曰：「以官易婦鄧玄茂。」每所薦達，多如此比。故何晏選舉不得人，頗由颺之不公忠，遂同其罪，蓋由交友非其才。

Ding Mi

The Summary of Wei states: Ding Mi was styled Yanjing. His father, [Ding] Fei, was styled Wenhou. Previously, [Ding] Fei followed the Grand Progenitor, and because [Ding] Fei was from the same hometown, the Grand Progenitor especially and greatly favored him. [Ding] Fei, by nature, enjoyed valuables. He repeatedly requested [valuables], breaking the law too, yet would always get pardoned. He served as Colonel who Arranges the Army, managing [affairs] inside and outside. Each time he explained [ideas], many would be followed. During the end of the Jian'an era, he followed the Grand Progenitor in conquering Wu. When [Ding] Fei was following, because his family's oxen were emaciated and exhausted, he secretly changed it with the government's oxen, but people exposed it. He was arrested and sent to prison, stripped of rank. Later, the Grand Progenitor asked [Ding] Fei, "Wenhou, where are your seal and ribbon at?" [Ding] Fei also knew this was a jest, so he replied, "I exchanged it for some pastry, that's all." The Grand Progenitor laughed, turned to tell his left and right, "The subordinate to the Dongcao; Mao [Jie] had several reports about this fellow, and wanted me to punish severely. It is not I do not know that man isn't incorrupt, but he certainly is of use. Me having this [Ding] Fei is like a master having a thieving dog, yet good at catching mice. His larceny is but too petty, for he preserves my storage." He thus restored [Ding] Fei's office, and listened to him and used him as before. After several years, he died from an illness.

《魏略》曰：丁謐字彥靖。父斐字文侯。初，斐隨太祖，太祖以斐鄉里，特饒愛之。斐性好貨，數請求犯法，輒得原宥。為典軍校尉，總攝內外，每所陳說，多見從之。建安末，從太祖征吳。斐隨行，自以家牛羸困，乃私易官牛，為人所白，被收送獄，奪官。其後太祖問斐曰：「文侯，印綬所在？」斐亦知見戲，對曰：「以易餅耳。」太祖笑，顧謂左右曰：「東曹毛掾數白此家，欲令我重治，我非不知此人不清，良有以也。我之有斐，譬如人家有盜狗而善捕鼠，盜雖有小損，而完我囊貯。」遂復斐官，聽用如初。後數歲，病亡。

When [Ding] Mi was young, he was unwilling to make friends, only extensively reading books and biographies. He was a man who was profoundly firm, and very much having talent and strategy. During the Taihe era, he once resided in Ye, borrowing people's empty houses and living in them. When various princes also wanted to borrow it, they did not know [Ding] Mi already obtained it, and opened the gates and entered. When [Ding] Mi saw the princes, he crossed his feet, lied down, and did not rise, and called to his personal servants and said, "Who are these people? Just get them out already!" The princes were furious with this disrespect, and thus wrote to the sovereign about such. The Ming Emperor arrested [Ding] Mi, locked him in Ye's prisons, but because being a son of a meritorious official, he was thus released. Later, the Emperor heard he had his father's style, and was summoned to become Palace Gentleman of Expenditure. Cao Shuang had long been friendly with [Ding Mi]. At the time, [Cao] Shuang served as General of the Strong Guards, and he often praised his great potential to the Emperor. When the Emperor died, [Cao] Shuang assisted in governance and thus made [Ding] Mi a Mounted Regular Attendant, and then Secretariat. [Ding] Mi was a person who on the outside appeared negligent in affairs, but on the inside was extremely jealous. When he was in the secretariat office, he often made impeachments, so those in the pavilion worried about him, and [official] matters were could not be acted upon. He had a belief of belittling nobility, and many of them were ignored, although he, He Yan, and Deng Yang and others were of the same sort, [Ding Mi] belittled them all, only bending themselves to [Cao] Shuang due to his power. [Cao] Shuang also respected him, and of [Ding Mi's] words, none were not followed. Therefore, at the time, there was a defamatory book which stated, "In the office, there are three dogs. Two dogs with open mouths cannot be closed, and one dog relies on Mo to concoct poisonous sores." The three dogs refer to He [Yan], Deng [Yang], and Ding [Mi]. Mo was Shuang's childhood name. This means that the three dogs all want to gnaw at people, with [Ding] Mi the most extreme. The petitions to have Empress Dowager Guo go to live in a different palace, the sending of the Prince of Le'an north to Ye, and the sending Wen Qin to return to Huainan. All were [Ding] Mi's plans. The (Xuan) King of the Sima from this especially despised him.

謐少不肯交游，但博觀書傳。為人沈毅，頗有才略。太和中，常住鄴，借人空屋，居其中。而諸王亦欲借之，不知謐已得，直開門入。謐望見王，交脚卧而不起，而呼其奴客曰：「此何等人？促呵使去。」王怒其無禮，還具上言。明帝收謐，繫鄴獄，以其功臣子，原出。後帝聞其有父風，召拜度支郎中。曹爽宿與相親，時爽為武衞將軍，數為帝稱其可大用。會帝崩，爽輔政，乃拔謐為散騎常侍，遂轉尚書。謐為人外似踈略，而內多忌。其在臺閣，數有所彈駮，臺中患之，事不得行。又其意輕貴，多所忽略，雖與何晏、鄧颺等同位，而皆少之，唯以勢屈於爽。爽亦敬之，言無不從。故于時謗書，謂「臺中有三狗，二狗崖柴不可當，一狗憑默作疽囊。」三狗，謂何、鄧、丁也。默者，爽小字也。其意言三狗皆欲嚙人，而謐尤甚也。奏使郭太后出居別宮，及遣樂安王使北詣鄴，又遣文欽令還淮南，皆謐之計。司馬宣王由是特深恨之。

Bi Gui

Bi Gui was styled Zhaoxian. His father was styled Zili, and during the Jian'an era, he served as Colonel who Arranges Farming. [Bi] Gui due to being talented and capable had a [famous] reputation when young. When the Bright Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, [Bi] Gui was a Scholar. During the end of the Huangchu era, he went out as Chief Clerk. When the Ming Emperor was in the Eastern Palace, he entered as Gentleman at the Yellow Gates, and his son married a princess. He lived in a rich and wealthy place. He was promoted to become Inspector of Bing Province. When he was in Bing Province, he became known for being arrogant and grandiose. At the time, the frontier barbarians repeatedly caused trouble, killing officials and people. [Bi] Gui thereupon sent an army to attack the Xianbei [leader] Kebineng, but failed. The Central Protector of the Army; Jiang Ji petitioned, saying, "Bi Gui's previous defeat is the past, he should not be blamed for it [since it's over], but I fear later, this difficulty may repeat. Every man's talent has its strengths and weaknesses; they cannot forcibly change. [Bi] Gui's elegant ambitions are an admirable person in itself. Now that he has failed Bing Province, we should relocate him to another province, but if he entered [the capital] and held a high position, he would not damage his virtue, and the national affairs would turn out great. This is critical to either safety or danger.May your Sagely and Graceful [Sovereign] investigate it!" Reaching the Zhengshi era, he entered [the capital] as Central Protector of the Army, then switched to Palace Attendant and Secretariat, then relocated to be Colonel over Retainers. He had long been friendly with Cao Shuang, and each time he spoke to [Cao] Shuang, it would mostly be followed.

畢軌字昭先。父字子禮，建安中為典農校尉。軌以才能，少有名聲。明帝在東宮時，軌在文學中。黃初末，出為長史。明帝即位，入為黃門郎，子尚公主，居處殷富。遷并州刺史。其在并州，名為驕豪。時雜虜數為暴，害吏民，軌輒出軍擊鮮卑軻比能，失利。中護軍蔣濟表曰：「畢軌前失，旣往不咎，但恐是後難可以再。凡人材有長短，不可彊成。軌文雅志意，自為美器。今失并州，換置他州，若入居顯職，不毀其德，於國事實善。此安危之要，唯聖恩察之。」至正始中，入為中護軍，轉侍中尚書，遷司隷校尉。素與曹爽善，每言於爽，多見從之。

Li Sheng

Li Sheng was styled Gongzhao. His father was [Li] Xiu, styled Zilang, who was intelligent and strategic. When Zhang Lu previously served as General who Guards the North, [Li] Xiu was his major, living in Nanzheng. At the time, Hanzhong had sweet rain descend, and Zilang saw Zhang Lu had elite troops over 10,000, with four strongholds that were fortified, therefore suggested that since the red aura [Han's official color] had long decayed, the yellow clan will prosper. He wished for [Zhang] Lu to rise and claim emperorship; [Zhang] Lu did not listen. When [Zhang] Lu was defeated, the Grand Progenitor, because his urgings had [Zhang] Lu submit to court, bestowed him peerage of Marquis within the Passes and appointed him as Free Office Cavalier Follower; he moved to Ye. Reaching the Huangchu era, he successively served as Grand Administrator of Shangdang and Julu commanderies. Later, because of old age, returned, and was conferred as Consulting Gentleman.When [Li] Sheng was young, he travelled to the capital. He was very talented and intelligent, and he and Cao Shuang were friendly. When the Bright Emperor prohibited the superficial and flamboyant, and people reported that [Li] Sheng's house had the Four Clevers and Eight Eminents [his friends],each having great fame. Therefore, he was arrested, Suggested: but as those that were associated to him were many, he was pardoned, but prohibited [from office] for several years. When the Emperor died, Cao Shuang assisted in court affairs. [Li] Sheng became the Prefect of Luoyang. When Xiahou Xuan was General who Conquers the West, he made [Li] Sheng a Chief Clerk. [Xiahou] Xuan was also previously close with [Li] Sheng. For the Battle of Luo Valley, the suggestion came from [Li] Sheng. From this, the (Xuan) King of the Sima was displeased at Sheng. He successively was promoted to be Grand Administrator of Yinyang and Intendant of Henan. Overall, when [Li] Sheng was governing, there was no instance he was incompetent. After a year as Intendant, thatched huts before the office had collapsed, [so Li Sheng] sent people to replace and fix it, but a small piece of wood broke and fell, exactly landing on a Stone Tiger Guardian's head, breaking it. After days, he was relocated to be Inspector of Jing Province. He had not reached the office when he was defeated.

李勝字公昭。父休字子朗，有智略。張魯前為鎮北將軍，休為司馬，家南鄭。時漢中有甘露降，子朗見張魯精兵數萬人，有四塞之固，遂建言赤氣久衰，黃家當興，欲魯舉號，魯不聽。會魯破，太祖以其勸魯內附，賜爵關內侯，署散官騎從，詣鄴。至黃初中，仕歷上黨、鉅鹿二郡太守，後以年老還，拜議郎。勝少游京師，雅有才智，與曹爽善。明帝禁浮華，而人白勝堂有四䆫八達，各有主名。用是被收，以其所連引者多，故得原，禁錮數歲。帝崩，曹爽輔政，勝為洛陽令。夏侯玄為征西將軍，以勝為長史。夏侯玄為征西將軍，以勝為長史。玄亦宿與勝厚。駱谷之役，議從勝出，由是司馬宣王不悅於勝。累遷熒陽太守、河南尹。勝前後所宰守，未嘗不稱職，為尹歲餘，廳事前屠蘇壞，令人更治之，小材一枚激墮，正檛受符吏石虎頭，斷之。後旬日，遷為荊州刺史，未及之官而敗也。

Huan Fan

Huan Fan, styled Yuanze, was from a family that was distinguished for generations. During the end of the Jian'an era, he entered the Assisting Chancellor's office. During the Yankang era, he served as Left Supervisor of Feathered Forest Guards. Because of his literature [skills], he and Wang Xiang among others compiled and collected the (Huanglan). During the Bright Emperor's reign, he served as Leader of the Central Army and Secretariat, then relocated to be General who Conquers Enemies, General of the Household of the East, and given acting tally to command the various military affairs of Qing and Xu Provinces, governing at Xiapi. He and the Inspector of Xu Province; Zheng Qi fought over a mansion, so [Huan Fan] intended to use his tally to execute [Zheng] Qi. This was petitioned by [Zheng] Qi, and it was [deemed] not upright, so he was removed and recalled. He was again made Inspector of Yan Province, but was discontented as it did not realize his intentions, and he also heard he would be relocated to be Governor of Ji Province. At the time, Ji Province belonged to the [General who] Defends the North, and the General who Defends the North; Lü Zhao, having real talent was appointed and promoted. He originally [served] after [Huan] Fan. [Huan] Fan told his wife, [Lady] Zhongzhang, saying, "I would rather be among the ministers and kneel before the Three Excellencies! I cannot be Lü Zizhan's servant!" His wife said, "Sir, when you were in the east before, you had wanted to use your power to execute the Inspector of Xu Province. Many people said about you that it would be difficult to be your subordinate. Now that you are again humiliated by being Lü's servant, it will be difficult to be your superior." [Huan] Fan was furious because the words touched the truth, and thus used a blade’s ring to strike her belly. The wife at the time was pregnant, thus she lost the fetus and died. [Huan] Fan also eventually claimed illness, and did not go to Ji Province.

桓範字元則，世為冠族。建安末，入丞相府。延康中，為羽林左監。以有文學，與王象等典集《皇覽》。明帝時為中領軍尚書，遷征虜將軍、東中郎將，使持節都督青、徐諸軍事，治下邳。與徐州刺史鄭岐爭屋，引節欲斬岐，為岐所奏，不直，坐免還。復為兖州刺史，怏怏不得意。又聞當轉為冀州牧。是時冀州統屬鎮北，而鎮北將軍呂昭才實仕進，本在範後。範謂其妻仲長曰：「我寧作諸卿，向三公長跪耳，不能為呂子展屈也。」其妻曰：「君前在東，坐欲擅斬徐州刺史，衆人謂君難為作下，今復羞為呂屈，是復難為作上也。」範忿其言觸實，乃以刀環撞其腹。妻時懷孕，遂墮胎死。範亦竟稱疾，不赴冀州。

During the Zhengshi era, he was made Minister of Finance. [Huan] Fan had previously served in the secretariat, so he was famous for being familiar with various matters. When he became Minister of Finance, he was also known for being incorrupt and frugal. [Huan] Fan once copied and collected the Book of Han's various miscellaneous matters. With his own intentions, he deliberated over it, naming it Shiyaolun. When Jiang Ji became Elite Commandant, he once with [Huan] Fan met under an altar. Many ministers were present, with many people. [Huan] Fan was holding what he wrote in his arms, and wanted to show [Jiang] Ji it. He thought [Jiang] Ji would have an open mind to read it. [Huan] Fan took out his book to show his left and right; the left and right passed it to show [Jiang] Ji, but [Jiang] Ji was not willing to look at it, thus [Hun] Fan resented him. Hence when they talked about other matters, [Huan Fan] released his anger and told [Jiang] Ji that, "My ancestors were lacking in virtue! How can they be similar to you all?" Though [Jiang] Ji by nature was strong and stubborn, he also knew [Huan] Fan was resolute and stubborn. Thus he looked askance [at Fan] but did not reply. Each stopped [further provocations]. When [Huan] Fan was in Pei Commandery, his service was after Cao Zhen. At the time, Cao Shuang assisted in governing, and as [Huan] Fan was his hometown's old and experienced [resident], especially treated him among the Nine Ministers, but was not extremely close.

正始中拜大司農。範前在臺閣，號為曉事，及為司農，又以清省稱。範嘗抄撮漢書中諸雜事，自以意斟酌之，名曰《世要論》。蔣濟為太尉，嘗與範會社下，羣卿列坐有數人，範懷其所撰，欲以示濟，謂濟當虛心觀之。範出其書以示左右，左右傳之示濟，濟不肯視，範心恨之。因論他事，乃發怒謂濟曰：「我祖薄德，公輩何似邪？」濟性雖彊毅，亦知範剛毅，睨而不應，各罷。範於沛郡，仕次在曹真後。於時曹爽輔政，以範鄉里老宿，於九卿中特敬之，然不甚親也。

When the (Xuan) King raised his armies, he closed the city gates, and as [Huan] Fan was familiar with matters, the (Xuan) King specifically summoned him, and wanted him to lead as Leader of the Central Army. [Huan] Fan wanted to answer the summons, but his son admonished him, saying that the imperial chariot was outside, so it would be better to go south. When [Huan] Fan felt doubtful for a while, his son again urged him. [Huan] Fan wished to go but various officers in the Ministry of Finance stopped [Huan] Fan. [Huan] Fan did not listen, then hurried out to Pingchang Gate. The gates were already closed, but the gate official Si Fan was nominated by [Huan] Fan in the past. [Huan] Fan called to him, raising the tablet in his hand to show him, falsely claiming, "There is an imperial edict summoning me! Quickly open the gates!" [Si] Fan wished to see the edict, but [Huan] Fan berated him, saying, "Were you not my former official? How can you be so brazen?" Thus [the gates] were opened. [Huan] Fan left the city, then turned to tell [Si] Fan, "The Grand Tutor plans to rebel! You should follow me and go!" [Si] Fan, walking on foot, could not catch up, thus he hid on the [road] side.

及宣王起兵，閉城門，以範為曉事，乃指召之，欲使領中領軍。範欲應召，而其子諫之，以車駕在外，不如南出。範疑有頃，兒又促之。範欲去而司農丞吏皆止範。範不從，乃突出至平昌城門，城門已閉。門候司蕃，故範舉吏也，範呼之，舉手中版以示之，矯曰：「有詔召我，卿促開門！」蕃欲求見詔書，範呵之，言「卿非我故吏邪，何以敢爾？」乃開之。範出城，顧謂蕃曰：「太傅圖逆，卿從我去！」蕃徒行不能及，遂避側。

[Huan] Fan went south to meet [Cao] Shuang, advised [Cao] Shuang and his brothers to have the Son of Heaven go to Xuchang and to call upon all four directions to support themselves. [Cao] Shuang was undecided and [Cao] Xi also was silent [having no plans]. [Huan] Fan said to [Cao] Xi, "When matters are very clear in such a fashion, what will you use your studying of books for? Is it for your family to collapse today?" They did not reply. [Huan] Fan again spoke to [Cao] Xi, "Your separate camp is close to the south of the capital and the Luoyang Arrangement of Agriculture Office is outside the city. They can be summoned as we wish. Now if we go to Xuchang, it will not take more than a night. Xuchang's separate armory has enough [equipment] for us to take. What is concerning are the grains, but the seal of the Minister of Finance is with me." The [Cao] Xi brothers remained silent and did not follow [his advice]. In the night at the fifth drum beat, [Cao] Shuang threw his sword to the ground and told all the officials following the imperial chariot, "I have guessed the Grand Tutor's intentions, but he also merely wants to have us brothers submit to him. I alone am disharmonious to the far and near!" Therefore he offered and said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, compose an edict to dismiss your servants and to answer the Empress Dowager's order." [Huan] Fan knew that as [Cao] Shuang was yielding and dismissing himself, he himself would certainly be implicated for advocating righteousness [rebellion]. [Huan] Fan thus said, "I will now be implicated to you brothers and suffer extermination of my clan!" [Cao] Shuang and the others were dismissed and the Emperor returned to the palace, ordering [Huan] Fan to follow along.

範南見爽，勸爽兄弟以天子詣許昌，徵四方以自輔。爽疑，羲又無言。範自謂羲曰：「事昭然，卿用讀書何為邪！於今日卿等門戶倒矣！」俱不言。範又謂羲曰：「卿別營近在闕南，洛陽典農治在城外，呼召如意。今詣許昌，不過中宿，許昌別庫，足相被假；所憂當在穀食，而大司農印章在我身。」羲兄弟默然不從，中夜至五鼓，爽乃投刀於地，謂諸從駕羣臣曰：「我度太傅意，亦不過欲令我兄弟向己也。我獨有以不合於遠近耳！」遂進謂帝曰：「陛下作詔免臣官，報皇太后令。」範知爽首免而己必坐唱義也。範乃曰：「老子今茲坐卿兄弟族矣！」爽等旣免，帝還宮，遂令範隨從。

When he arrived north of the Luo River's floating bridge, he saw the (Xuan) King from afar, then dismounted the carriage and kowtowed without a word. The (Xuan) King called [Huan] Fan by his surname, saying, "Minister Huan, why are you acting like this?" When the imperial chariot entered the palace, there was an edict for [Huan] Fan to return to be restored to his original position. [Huan] Fan went to the palace to petition his apologies, awaiting a reply. It was at this time that Si Fan visited the Minister Herald to turn himself in, reporting all what [Huan] Fan spoke when they previously met. The (Xuan) King thus furiously said, "He falsely accused people of rebellion! What should be done by law?" The supervisor said, "[According to] law, he instead shall receive the punishment*." Thus he had [Huan] Fan arrested at the palace. At the time, those who were arresting [Huan] Fan were impetuous. [Huan] Fan said to the officials: "Slow down, I am also a righteous man!" Thus he was sent to the Minister of Justice.

*Those that were reported were usually punished, but as Huan Fan was lying, he instead received the punishment."

到洛水浮橋北，望見宣王，下車叩頭而無言。宣王呼範姓曰：「桓大夫何為爾邪！」車駕入宮，有詔範還復位。範詣闕拜章謝，待報。會司蕃詣鴻臚自首，具說範前臨出所道。宣王乃忿然曰：「誣人以反，於法何應？」主者曰：「科律，反受其罪。」乃收範於闕下。時人持範甚急，範謂部官曰：「徐之，我亦義士耳。」遂送廷尉。

The Sayings of the World states: Previously, [Cao] Shuang dreamt of two tigers holding in their mouth the Lord of Thunder*; the Lord of Thunder was like a two sheng bowl. It was placed in the middle of the courtyard. [Cao] Shuang hated this, and had this asked to a diviner. An Assistant to the Spirit Terrace Assistant; Ma Xun said, "Worry about the military." When [Ma] Xun returned [to his home], [he] told his wife, "[Cao] Shuang will soon perish because of the military in no more than 10 days."

*This was a deity

《世語》曰：初，爽夢二虎銜雷公，雷公若二升椀，放著庭中。爽惡之，以問占者，靈臺丞馬訓曰：「憂兵。」訓退，告其妻曰：「爽將以兵亡，不出旬日。」

The Annals from Han to Jin states: Huangfu Mi of Anding dreamt of Luoyang in winter of the 9th year of Zhengshi: when he left a temple, he saw an extreme amount of chariots and cavalry presenting things to the temple and saying, "Execute the Generalissimo; Cao Shuang." When he awoke, he told this to his townspeople. The townspeople said, The townspeople said: “You wish to make the dreams of the Cao people*? "But in the court, there is no Gongsun Qiang. What to do? Moreover, the [Cao] Shuang brothers command many troops and also control the affairs of the secretariat. Who would dare plot against them?" [Huangfu] Mi said, "[Cao] Shuang did not have Shuzhenduo's request. If he loses Heaven's fundamental ways, then he shall fall. Why rely on [Gongsun] Qiang? Of old, Yan Xian of Han relied on the Empress Dowager's honor, controlling the entire state's power and authority; he can be said to be the utmost respected, and yet nineteen eunuchs made him a corpse in just one night. And what of the [Cao] Shuang brothers?"

*Someone dreamt of various rulers gathered at a temple wishing to eradicate the Cao State, but the founding father of Cao, Shuzhenduo, requested them to do it after someone called Gongsun Qiang took power, and they agreed. Later, the Cao State really was conquered when a Gongsun Qiang was in power.

《漢晉春秋》曰：安定皇甫謐以九年冬夢至洛陽，自廟出，見車騎甚衆，以物呈廟云：「誅大將軍曹爽。」寤而以告其邑人，邑人曰：「君欲作曹人之夢乎！朝無公孫彊如何？且爽兄弟典重兵，又權尚書事，誰敢謀之？」謐曰：「爽無叔振鐸之請，苟失天機則離矣，何恃於彊？昔漢之閻顯，倚母后之尊，權國威命，可謂至重矣，閹人十九人一旦尸之，況爽兄弟乎？」

The Sayings of the World states: Originally, when [Cao] Shuang went out, his Major, Lu Zhi, remained at his office, but when he heard about the incident, he led his subordinate regiment cavalry to hack open the ferry gates to go towards [Cao] Shuang. [After] Cao Shuang was executed, [Lu Zhi] was promoted to Internal Assistant of the Censorate. When [Cao] Shuang gave up his seal and ribbon and was about to leave, his registrar, Yang Zong, stopped him, saying, "Sir, you control the sovereign and wield power. Will you abandon it to go to the east market*?" There were heads of department petitioning that [Yang] Zong led [Cao] Shuang to rebel, but the (Xuan) King said, "Each acts for their master." He forgave him, appointing him as Gentleman of the Secretariat. [Lu] Zhi, styled Shiying, was from Fufeng. He later advanced in office to Specially Advanced and Brilliantly Blessed Grandee. [Yang] Zong was styled Chubo. He later became Chief Clerk to the General who Secures the East; the Civil King of the Sima.

*This was where executions took place.

《世語》曰：初，爽出，司馬魯芝留在府，聞有事，將營騎斫津門出赴爽。爽誅，擢為御史中丞。及爽解印綬，將出，主簿楊綜止之曰：「公挾主握權，捨此以至東巿乎？」爽不從。有司奏綜導爽反，宣王曰：「各為其主也。」宥之，以為尚書郎。芝字世英，扶風人也。以後仕進至特進光祿大夫。綜字初伯，後為安東將軍司馬文王長史。

Your servant, Songzhi, would annotate that: Xiahou Zhan's Inscription for [Lu] Zhi and Gan Bao's Annals of Jin both say that when [Cao] Shuang was executed, the (Xuan) King selected [Lu] Zhi to become Inspector of Bing Province and [Yang] Zong to be Advisor to the General who Secures the East. These and the Sayings of the World are not the same.

臣松之案：夏侯湛《為芝銘》及干寶《晉紀》並云爽旣誅，宣王即擢芝為并州刺史，以綜為安東參軍。與世語不同。

〔二〕Gan Bao's Annals of Jin states: Jiang Ji, reasoning that Cao Zhen was meritorious and strong, should not end his sacrifices, and therefore had [Cao] Xi be the successor. [Jiang] Ji also became ill because his promise to [Cao] Shuang was broken, so he fell ill and died.

〔二〕干寶《晉紀》曰：蔣濟以曹真之勳力，不宜絕祀，故以熈為後。濟又病其言之失信於爽，發病卒。

He Yan

[He] Yan was He Jin's grandson. His mother was Lady Yin, who was the Grand Progenitor's wife. [He] Yan grew up in the palace and married a Princess. When he was young, his great talent was well-known and he enjoyed talking about [Masters] Lao and Zhuang, writing Essay on the Way and Morality and various writings, with all numbering 10 volumes.

晏，何進孫也。母尹氏，為太祖夫人。晏長於宮省，又尚公主，少以才秀知名，好老莊言，作《道德論》及諸文賦著述凡數十篇。〔一〕

〔一〕[He] Yan was styled Pingshu.

〔一〕晏字平叔。

The Summary of Wei states: When the Grand Progenitor was made Excellency of Works, he took Yan's mother [as a concubine], thus taking and adopting [He] Yan. At the time, Qin Yilu's son, Asu, also followed his mother to be in the Excellency's family, also receiving favor as if he were the Excellency’s son . [A]su would be Lang. Qin [A]su by nature was solemn and cautious, while [He] Yan had no scruples. His garments were as though they were the Crown Prince's, hence the Civil Emperor especially despised him. Every time, he never called him by his surname nor courtesy name, constantly calling him the "false son". [He] Yan married a Princess, and he also loved beauty, hence during the Huangchu era, he had no post. When the Bright Emperor ascended the throne, and had him in petty offices for a long time. In the beginning of the Zhengshi era, he associated with Cao Shuang, and he also had talent and ability. Therefore, [Cao] Shuang had him became (sanqishilang) and later promoted to Palace Attendant and Secretariat.

晏字平叔。《魏略》曰：「太祖為司空時，納晏母并收養晏，其時秦宜祿兒阿蘇亦隨母在公家，並見寵如公子。蘇即朗也。蘇性謹慎，而晏無所顧憚，服飾擬於太子，故文帝特憎之，每不呼其姓字，常謂之為「假子」。晏尚主，又好色，故黃初時無所事任。及明帝立，頗為冗官。至正始初，曲合於曹爽，亦以才能，故爽用為散騎侍郎，遷侍中尚書。

As [He] Yan had earlier married a Princess, he was given a noble rank and became a nobleman and because his mother was in the palace. [He] Yan, by nature, appreciated himself. Of his actions, white powder never left his hands, and when walking, admired his shadow. [He] Yan was Secretariat and he directed nominations. Of those who had old ties with him for a long time, many were promoted.

晏前以尚主，得賜爵為列侯，又其母在內，晏性自喜，動靜粉白不去手，行步顧影。晏為尚書，主選舉，其宿與之有舊者，多被拔擢。

Biographies at the End of Wei state: [He] Yan's wife, the Princess of Jinxiang, was [He] Yan's younger sister of the same mother. The Princess was virtuous, and told her mother, the Grand Consort of the Prince of Pei, said, "[He] Yan's vices by day escalates. How can I protect myself?" The mother laughed, saying, "Might you be jealous towards [He] Yan!" Soon after, [He] Yan died. [They] had a son, 5 or 6 years old. The (Xuan) King sent people to seize him. [He] Yan’s mother returned to hide the son in the palace, slapping her cheeks to the envoy, begging to save him; the envoy reported everything to the (Xuan) King. The (Xuan) King also heard of Yan’s wife having prescient words, and in his heart, often praised such words; moreover, because of the Prince of Pei, he specially spared and did not kill [him].

《魏末傳》曰：晏婦金鄉公主，即晏同母妹。公主賢，謂其母沛王太妃曰：「晏為惡日甚，將何保身？」母笑曰：「汝得無妬晏邪！」俄而晏死。俄而晏死。有一男，年五六歲，宣王遣人錄之。晏母歸藏其子王宮中，向使者搏頰，乞白活之，使者具以白宣王。宣王亦聞晏婦有先見之言，心常嘉之；且為沛王故，特原不殺。

The Annals from Han to Jin states: Initially, Xiahou Xuan, He Yan and the others had great reputation at the time, the (Jing) King of the Sima was also involved with them. [He] Yan once said: “To ruminate deeply is being able to understand the aspirations of the world. Such is Xiahou Taichu. To ruminate accurately is being able to accomplish the affairs of the world. Such is Sima Ziyuan. There is only the divine. It does not rush, and yet it is speedy; it does not move; and yet it arrives. I have heard of such sayings, but never seen such person.” He probably intended to compare himself to the divine. First, the (Xuan) King had [He] Yan involved in punishing [Cao] Shuang and the others’ case. [He] Yan harshly judged the [Cao Shuang] group, hoping to be pardoned based on such. The (Xuan) King said, "There are eight surnames." Yan accused Ding [Mi], Deng [Yang], and the others for seven surnames. The (Xuan) King said, "It is incomplete." [He] Yan felt extremely stressed and thus said, "Is it possibly [He] Yan?" The (Xuan) King said, "Yes." He thus arrested [He] Yan.

《魏氏春秋》曰：初，夏侯玄、何晏等名盛於時，司馬景王亦預焉。晏嘗曰：「唯深也，故能通天下之志，夏侯泰初是也；唯幾也，故能成天下之務，司馬子元是也；惟神也，不疾而速，不行而至，吾聞其語，未見其人。」蓋欲以神況諸己也。初，宣王使晏與治爽等獄。晏窮治黨與，兾以獲宥。宣王曰：「凡有八族。」晏疏丁、鄧等七姓。宣王曰：「未也。」晏窮急，乃曰：「豈謂晏乎！」宣王曰：「是也。」乃收晏。

Your servant Songzhi notes: The Biographies at the End of Wei says that [He] Yan took his younger sister by the same mother as wife. This is something officials could not bear to speak of, and though even the King of Chu took his younger sister-in-law as his wife, it was not this extreme! Even if these words came from old histories, it still should not be believed,all the more for such lowly books [Biographies at the End of Wei]! According to the Biographies of Various Princes and Dukes, the Prince of Pei was beget by Lady Du. [He] Yan’s mother's surname was Yin. If the princess and the Prince of Pei were born by the same [mother], how could it be said that she had the same mother as [He] Yan?

臣松之案：魏末傳云晏取其同母妹為妻，此搢紳所不忍言，雖楚王之妻媦，不是甚也已。設令此言出於舊史，猶將莫之或信，況厎下之書乎！案諸王公傳，沛王出自杜夫人所生。晏母姓尹，公主若與沛王同生，焉得言與晏同母？

Xiahou Lingnü

Huangfu Mi's Biographies of Exemplary Women states: [Cao] Shuang's younger cousin was [Cao] Wenshu, who married the daughter of Xiahou Wenning of Qiao Commandery; she was named Lingnü. [Cao] Wenshu died early, and when they removed mourning clothes, [Xiahou Lingnü] believed that because of her young age and that she had no sons, feared that her family would marry her off, and thus cut her hair as a pledge. Afterwards, her family indeed wished to marry her off. When [Xiahou Lingnü] heard of this, she then also cut her two ears with a knife, and her life then was often dependent on [Cao] Shuang. When [Cao] Shuang was executed, the entire Cao clan all died. [Xiahou] Lingnü's junior uncle petitioned to sever marital ties with the Cao clan, then forcefully took [Xiahou] Lingnü back. At the time, [Xiahou] Wenning was the Chancellor of Liang. He pitied her youth and her adherence to morality, and also as the Cao clan had no one left, he hoped that her intentions [of remaining widowed for them] would stop, and thus secretly sent someone to admonish her. [Xiahou] Lingnü sighed and then cried, saying, "I also thought of that. I will accept it then." The family believed her to be genuine and let down their guards slightly. [Xiahou] Lingnü then snuck into a bedroom, and cut her nose with a knife, covered herself with blankets, and then laid down. Her mother called her to speak together, but with no answer, she removed [the blanket] to see her. There was blood flowing all over the bed. This caused her family to become frightened and they rushed to see her. There was none that were not crying in grief [by this]. Someone told her, "Humans live in this world like light dust settled on weak grass! Why must you go so far as to suffer in this manner? Furthermore, your husband's family have been all exterminated! By abiding like this, who do you want to do it for?" [Xiahou] Lingnü said, "I have heard that the benevolent will not change their moral principles in prosperity or decline, while the righteous will not change their beliefs in survival or destruction. When the Cao clan was previously flourishing, I still wished to keep [those beliefs] till the end, and all the more now that they have been destroyed! How could I bear to abandon them? Even beasts do not act this way! How could I act like that?" When the (Xuan) King of the Sima heard that, he commended it and permitted her request to adopt a child so as to serve as a successor to the Cao clan. Thus, her reputation was eminent in her time.

皇甫謐《烈女傳》曰：爽從弟文叔，妻譙郡夏侯文寧之女，名令女。文叔早死，服闋，自以年少無子，恐家必嫁己，乃斷髮以為信。其後，家果欲嫁之，令女聞，即復以刀截兩耳，居止常依爽。及爽被誅，曹氏盡死。令女叔父上書與曹氏絕婚，強迎令女歸。時文寧為梁相，憐其少，執義，又曹氏無遺類，冀其意沮，迺微使人諷之。令女歎且泣曰：「吾亦惟之，許之是也。」家以為信，防之少懈。令女於是竊入寢室，以刀斷鼻，蒙被而卧。其母呼與語，不應，發被視之，血流滿牀席。舉家驚惶，奔往視之，莫不酸鼻。或謂之曰：「人生世間，如輕塵棲弱草耳，何至辛苦迺爾！且夫家夷滅已盡，守此欲誰為哉？」令女曰：「聞仁者不以盛衰改節，義者不以存亡易心，曹氏前盛之時，尚欲保終，況今衰亡，何忍棄之！禽獸不行，吾豈為乎？」司馬宣王聞而嘉之，聽使乞子字養，為曹氏後，名顯於世。

Xiahou Shang*

Xiahou Shang, styled Boren, was [Xiahou] Yuan's cousin's son.[1] The Civil Emperor and him were intimate and friendly. When the Grand Progenitor stabilized Ji Province, he made [Xiahou] Shang Major of an Army. [Xiahou Shang] led cavalry when following expeditions and conquests. He later became General [of the Household] of All Purposes and a scholar. When the Nation of Wei was previously established, [Xiahou Shang] relocated to be Gentleman at the Yellow Gates. When the Hu of Dai Commandery revolted, [Wei] sent the Marquis of Yanling; [Cao] Zhang to destroy them and had [Xiahou] Shang join [Cao] Zhang's military. They stabilized the lands of Dai and returned. When the Grand Progenitor died at Luoyang, [Xiahou] Shang was given an imperial tally, and received the coffin to Ye. And in memory of his past achievements, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingling District and became Mounted Regular Attendant, then shifted to Leader of the Central Army.

夏侯尚字伯仁，淵從子也。〔一〕文帝與之親友。太祖定冀州，尚為軍司馬，將騎從征伐，後為五官將文學。魏國初建，遷黃門侍郎。代郡胡叛，遣鄢陵侯彰征討之，以尚參彰軍事，定代地，還。太祖崩於洛陽，尚持節，奉梓宮還鄴。并錄前功，封平陵亭侯，拜散騎常侍，遷中領軍。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Xiahou] Shang was good in planning, preparing, and he was intelligent and strategic. The Civil Emperor used him, and they became friendly in common clothes.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：尚有籌畫智略，文帝器之，與為布衣之交。

When the Civil Emperor ascended the steps, he further enfeoffed [Xiahou Shang] as Marquis of Pingling Township, and shifted to General who Invades the South, also leading as Inspector of Jing Province and having acting tally to command various military affairs in the south. [Xiahou] Shang petitioned, "Liu Bei has sent an army to Shangyong. The mountain roads are treacherous and dangerous, and they do not [think] of us being threatening. If we quietly directed soldiers to sneak through, our break through will be unexpected, and then we can overwhelm them." Thus he ordered his armies to attack Shangyong, pacifiying three commanderies and nine counties, and shifted to become Generalissimo who Invades the South. Although Sun Quan claimed to be a vassal, [Xiahou] Shang advantageously made preparations to attack him. Later, [Sun] Quan really did have two hearts.

文帝踐阼，更封平陵鄉侯，遷征南將軍，領荊州刺史，假節都督南方諸軍事。尚奏：「劉備別軍在上庸，山道險難，彼不我虞，若以奇兵潛行，出其不意，則獨克之勢也。」遂勒諸軍擊破上庸，平三郡九縣，遷征南大將軍。孫權雖稱藩，尚益脩攻討之備，權後果有貳心。

In the 3rd year of the Huangchu era, when the imperial chariot graced Wan, he sent [Xiahou] Shang to led various armies alongside Cao Zhen to attack Jiangling. [Sun] Quan's general, Zhuge Jin, and [Xiahou] Shang's army faced off at the river. [Zhuge] Jin ferried into the river banks and divided his navy within the river. Overnight, [Xiahou] Shang prepared many oiled boats and directed over 10,000 in infantry and cavalry. From the bottom of the river, they secretly crossed. They attacked [Zhuge] Jin's armies at the banks of the river, and burned the ships. From water and land, they attacked, and defeated them. The city had not fallen when there was a great plague, and an edict had [Xiahou] Shang lead his troops back. His fief was increased by 600 households, overall being 1,900 households. He was given the axe tally and promoted to Governor. Jing Province was ruined and desolate. Outside, there were savages and barbarians. They and Wu had a border at the Han River, and many former people lived south of the river. [Xiahou] Shang, from Shangyong, connected roads, and travelled west over 700 li. The mountain people, savages, and barbarians all came, and within 5 or 6 years, the surrendered were over 1,000 families.

孫權雖稱藩，尚益脩攻討之備，權後果有貳心。黃初三年，車駕幸宛，使尚率諸軍與曹真共圍江陵。權將諸葛瑾與尚軍對江，瑾渡入江中渚，而分水軍於江中。尚夜多持油舩，將步騎萬餘人，於下流潛渡，攻瑾諸軍，夾江燒其舟舩，水陸並攻，破之。城未拔，會大疫，詔勑尚引諸軍還。益封六百戶，并前千九百戶，假鉞，進為牧。荊州殘荒，外接蠻夷，而與吳阻漢水為境，舊民多居江南。尚自上庸通道，西行七百餘里，山民蠻夷多服從者，五六年間，降附數千家。

In the 5th year, he moved fief to Marquis of Changling Township. [Xiahou] Shang had a beloved concubine who was doted upon, and for favor, competed with the wife. The wife was a daughter of the Cao clan, hence the Civil Emperor sent people to strangle [the concubine]. [Xiahou] Shang was aggrieved, fell sick, and felt disturbed. He lavishly buried his concubine, but could not overcome thoughts, and again went to see her. When the Civil Emperor heard of this, he angrily said, "Du Xi's disrespect towards [Xiahou] Shang was indeed reasonable!" Because [Xiahou Shang] was an old official, his favor had not declined.

五年，徙封昌陵鄉侯。尚有愛妾嬖幸，寵奪適室；適室，曹氏女也，故文帝遣人絞殺之。尚悲感，發病怳惚，旣葬埋妾，不勝思見，復出視之。文帝聞而恚之曰：「杜襲之輕薄尚，良有以也。」然以舊臣，恩寵不衰。

Descendants

In the 6th year, [Xiahou] Shang's illness grew worse, and he returned to the capital. The Emperor on numerous occassions faced him, held his hands, and cried. When [Xiahou] Shang died, his title was the (Dao) Marquis.[1] His son, [Xiahou] Xuan, succeeded him. Also, [Xiahou] Shang['s fief] subtracted 300 households as to gift [Xiahou] Shang's younger brothers and sons to receive Marquises within the Passes.

六年，尚疾篤，還京都，帝數臨幸，執手涕泣。尚薨，謚曰悼侯。〔一〕子玄嗣。又分尚戶三百，賜尚弟子奉爵關內侯。

〔一〕The Book of Wei contains an edict: "From a young age, [Xiahou] Shang was my companion. He was utmostly sincere and utmostly faithful. Althought it can be said we have different surnames, we are like flesh and blood, and he could enter like my belly and heart, and he could leave like claws and teeth. His intelligence and strategy was deeply perceptive, and his plans overcame others. It is unfortunate he died early, but isn't that fate? I posthumously award him Generalissimo who Invades the South and the Marquis of Changling and its seal and ribbon."

〔一〕《魏書》載詔曰：「尚自少侍從，盡誠竭節，雖云異姓，其猶骨肉，是以入為腹心，出當爪牙。智略深敏，謀謨過人，不幸早殞，命也柰何！贈征南大將軍、昌陵侯印綬。」

Xiahou Xuan

[Xiahou] Xuan was styled Taichu. From a young age, he was famous, and when capped, became Mounted Regular Attendant at the Yellow Gates. Once in a meeting, he and the Empress' younger brother, Mao Zeng, both sat. [Xiahou] Xuan humiliated him, that is [Xuan] had a displeased expression on his face. The Bright Emperor hated this, and thus relocated him to be Supervisor of Yulin. In the beginning of the Zhengshi era, Cao Shuang assisted in governing. [Xiahou] Xuan was [Cao] Shuang's aunt's son. He gradually shifted to be Regular Mounted Attendant and Protector of the Central Army.[1]

玄字太初。少知名，弱冠為散騎黃門侍郎。嘗進見，與皇后弟毛曾並坐，玄恥之，不悅形之於色。明帝恨之，左遷為羽林監。正始初，曹爽輔政。玄，爽之姑子也。累遷散騎常侍、中護軍。〔一〕

〔一〕The Sayings of the World state: [Xiahou] Xuan, for his era, was famous, and served as Protector of the Central Army, appointing military officials. He had halberds [in front of] the general's gates, there was no shortage of the talented, and constantly governed provinces and commanderies. He established laws to be taught, and thereafter all would be later laws [in succeeding dynasties].

〔一〕《世語》曰：玄世名知人，為中護軍，拔用武官，參戟牙門，無非俊傑，多牧州典郡。立法垂教，於今皆為後式。

When the Grand Tutor; the (Xuan) King of the Sima asked about the era's events, [Xiahou] Xuan discussed and said, "The wielder of the nation['s power] appoints officials and utilizes people. Therefore, selection is monopolized by the central government, the responsibility of the superior. Filial behavior is exhibited by the villagers. Those are the pros and cons of the villagers, and the evaluation of the inferior. If one wants to purify in teaching and meticulously nominate, they need to make clear that responsibility and evaluation cannot be crossed with each other. How so?"

太傅司馬宣王問以時事，玄議以為：「夫官才用人，國之柄也，故銓衡專於臺閣，上之分也，孝行存乎閭巷，優劣任之鄉人，下之叙也。夫欲清教審選，在明其分叙，不使相涉而已。何者？上過其分，則恐所由之不本，而干勢馳騖之路開；下踰其叙，則恐天爵之外通，而機權之門多矣。夫天爵下通，是庶人議柄也；機權多門，是紛亂之原也。自州郡中正品度官才之來，有年載矣，緬緬紛紛，未聞整齊，豈非分叙參錯各失其要之所由哉！若令中正但考行倫輩，倫輩當行均，斯可官矣。何者？夫孝行著於家門，豈不忠恪於在官乎？仁恕稱於九族，豈不達於為政乎？義斷行於鄉黨，豈不堪於事任乎？三者之類，取於中正，雖不處其官名，斯任官可知矣。行有大小，比有高下，則所任之流，亦渙然明別矣。奚必使中正干銓衡之機於下，而執機柄者有所委仗於上，上下交侵，以生紛錯哉？且臺閣臨下，考功校否，衆職之屬，各有官長，旦夕相考，莫究於此；閭閻之議，以意裁處，而使匠宰失位，衆人驅駭，欲風俗清靜，其可得乎？天臺縣遠，衆所絕意。所得至者，更在側近，孰不脩飾以要所求？所求有路，則脩己家門者，已不如自達於鄉黨矣。自達鄉黨者，已不如自求之於州邦矣。苟開之有路，而患其飾真離本，雖復嚴責中正，督以刑罰，猶無益也。豈若使各帥其分，官長則各以其屬能否獻之臺閣，臺閣則據官長能否之第，參以鄉閭德行之次，擬其倫比，勿使偏頗。中正則唯考其行迹，別其高下，審定輩類，勿使升降。臺閣總之，如其所簡，或有參錯，則其責負自在有司。官長所第，中正輩擬，比隨次率而用之，如其不稱，責負在外。然則內外相參，得失有所，互相形檢，孰能相飾？斯則人心定而事理得，庶可以靜風俗而審官才矣。」

又以為：「古之建官，所以濟育羣生，統理民物也，故為之君長以司牧之。司牧之主，欲一而專，一則官任定而上下安，專則職業脩而事不煩。夫事簡業脩，上下相安而不治者，未之有也。先王建萬國，雖其詳未可得而究，然分彊畫界，各守土境，則非重累羈絆之體也。下考殷、周五等之叙，徒有小大貴賤之差，亦無君官臣民而有二統互相牽制者也。夫官統不一，則職業不脩；職業不脩，則事何得而簡？事之不簡，則民何得而靜？民之不靜，則邪惡並興，而姦偽滋長矣。先王達其如此，故專其職司而一其統業。始自秦世，不師聖道，私以御職，姦以待下；懼宰官之不脩，立監牧以董之，畏督監之容曲，設司察以糾之；宰牧相累，監察相司，人懷異心，上下殊務。漢承其緒，莫能匡改。魏室之隆，日不暇及，五等之典，雖難卒復，可粗立儀準以一治制。今之長吏，皆君吏民，橫重以郡守，累以刺史。若郡所攝，唯在大較，則與州同，無為再重。宜省郡守，但任刺史；刺史職存，則監察不廢，郡吏萬數還親農業，以省煩費，豐財殖穀，一也。大縣之才，皆堪郡守，是非之訟，每生意異，順從則安，直己則爭。夫和羹之美，在於合異，上下之益，在能相濟，順從乃安，此琴瑟一聲也，蕩而除之，則官省事簡，二也。又幹郡之吏，職監諸縣，營護黨親，鄉邑舊故，如有不副，而因公掣頓，民之困弊，咎生於此，若皆并合，則亂原自塞，三也。今承衰弊，民人彫落，賢才鮮少，任事者寡，郡縣良吏往往非一，郡受縣成，其劇在下，而吏之上選，郡當先足，此為親民之吏，專得厎下，吏者民命，而常頑鄙，今如并之，吏多選清良者造職，大化宣流，民物獲寧，四也。制使萬戶之縣名之郡守，五千以上名之都尉，千戶以下令長如故，自長以上考課遷用，轉以能升，所牧亦增，此進才効功之叙也，若經制一定，則官才有次，治功齊明，五也。若省郡守，縣皆徑達，事不擁隔，官無留滯，三代之風雖未可必，簡一之化庶幾可致，便民省費在於此矣。」

又以為：「文質之更用，猶四時之迭興也，王者體天理物，必因弊而濟通之，時彌質則文之以禮，時泰侈則救之以質。今承百王之末，秦漢餘流，世俗彌文，宜大改之以易民望。今科制自公、列侯以下，位從大將軍以上，皆得服綾錦、羅綺、紈素、金銀飾鏤之物，自是以下，雜綵之服通于賤人，雖上下等級，各示有差，然朝臣之制已得侔至尊矣，玄黃之采已得通於下矣。欲使市不鬻華麗之色，商不通難得之貨，工不作雕刻之物，不可得也。是故宜大理其本，準度古法，文質之宜，取其中則，以為禮度。車輿服章，皆從質樸，禁除末俗華麗之事，使幹朝之家，有位之室，不復有錦綺之飾，無兼采之服、纖巧之物，自上以下至於樸素之差，示有等級而已，勿使過一二之覺。若夫功德之賜，上恩所特加，皆表之有司，然後服用之。夫上之化下，猶風之靡草。樸素之教興於本朝，則彌侈之心自消於下矣。」

宣王報書曰：「審官擇人，除重官，改服制，皆大善。禮鄉閭本行，朝廷考事，大指如所示。而中間一相承習，卒不能改。秦時無刺史，但有郡守長吏。漢家雖有刺史，奉六條而已，故刺史稱傳車，其吏言從事，居無常治，吏不成臣，其後轉更為官司耳。昔賈誼亦患服制，漢文雖身服弋綈，猶不能使上下如意。恐此三事，當待賢能然後了耳。」

玄又書曰：「漢文雖身衣弋綈，而不革正法度，內外有僭擬之服，寵臣受無限之賜，由是觀之，似指立在身之名，非篤齊治制之意也。今公侯命世作宰，追蹤上古，將隆至治，抑末正本，若制定於上，則化行於衆矣。夫當宜改之時，留殷勤之心，令發之日，下之應也猶響尋聲耳，猶垂謙謙，曰『待賢能』，此伊周不正殷姬之典也。竊未喻焉。」

Later, he served as General who Invades the West with acting tally to command various military affairs in Yong and Liang Provinces.[1] He and Cao Shuang initiated the Battle of Luo Valley, so their contemporaries mocked them. When [Cao] Shuang was executed, [Xiahou] Xuan was nominated as Minister Herald, and after some years, became Minister of Ceremonies. [Xiahou] Xuan, because of [Cao] Shuang's downfall, was displeased inside. Though the Prefect of the Secretariat; Li Feng had old close relations with the Generalissimo; the (Jing) King of the Sima, he had a hidden heart with [Xiahou] Xuan, and thus allied with the Empress' father, Brilliantly Blessed Grandee; Zhang Ji with a plot to make [Xiahou] Xuan assist in governance. [Li] Feng wielded power within, his son married a princess, and he and [Zhang] Ji were both from Fengyi, hence [Zhang] Ji trusted him. [Li] Feng secretly ordered his younger brother, the Inspector of Yan Province; [Li] Yi to enter the court, and wanted him to lead troops to enter, while raising [troops]. When [Li] Yi requested [to enter] court, he was not heeded.

頃之，為征西將軍，假節都督雍、涼州諸軍事。〔一〕與曹爽共興駱谷之役，時人譏之。爽誅，徵玄為大鴻臚，數年徙太常。玄以爽抑絀，內不得意。中書令李豐雖宿為大將軍司馬景王所親待，然私心在玄，遂結皇后父光祿大夫張緝，謀欲以玄輔政。豐旣內握權柄，子尚公主，又與緝俱馮翊人，故緝信之。豐陰令弟兖州刺史翼求入朝，欲使將兵入，并力起。會翼求朝，不聽。

〔一〕(...)

〔一〕《魏略》曰：玄旣遷，司馬景王代為護軍。護軍總統諸將，任主武官選舉，前後當此官者，不能止貨賂。故蔣濟為護軍時，有謠言「欲求牙門，當得千匹；百人督，五百匹」。宣王與濟善，聞以問濟，濟無以解之，因戲曰：「洛中市買，一錢不足則不行。」遂相對歡笑。玄代濟，故不能止絕人事。及景王之代玄，整頓法令，人莫犯者。

In the 2nd month of the 6th year of the Jiaping era, [Xiahou Xuan] was conferred as a nobleman. [Li] Feng and the others wanted to use the imperial presence [for the conferrment] and the guards at various gates to execute the Generalissimo and have [Xiahou] Xuan replace him and [Zhang] Ji become General of the Swift Cavalry. [Li] Feng secretly told the Supervisor at the Yellow Gates; Su Shuo, the Prefect of Yongning Palace; Le Dun, and Supervisor of the Archers; Liu Xian and said, "Gentlemen, you reside in the palace, where there are a many [instances of] illegality. The Generallissimo is stern and resolute, and has constantly stated the case of Zhang Dang as an warning." [Su] Shuo and the others all promised to obey.[1] When the Generalissimo heard of this plan, he invited [Li] Feng for a meeting. [Li] Feng did not know [of ulterior motive] and went, and the [Generalissimo] thus killed him.[2] This matter was relayed to senior officials, who arrested [Xiahou] Xuan, [Zhang] Ji, [Su] Shuo, [Le] Dun, and [Liu] Xian, and sent them to the Minister of Justice.[3] The Minister of Justice; Zhong Yu petitioned, "Feng and his company plotted to forcefully coerce the Utmost Esteemed so as to arbitrary execute the Prime Chancellor. This is a major affront without any morals, and we have been requested to discuss what to do by law." Thereupon, there was a meeting of Excellencies, Ministers, officials, and Minister of Justice to discuss. All considered, "[Li] Feng and the others have each received special favors, and were in charge of confidential matters. [Zhang] Ji received the honor of being an in-law relative through imperial marriage, [Xiahou] Xuan was among honored officials for this era, and all occupied high posititons. And yet they harbored evil thoughts! They planned a rebellion, associated with those eunuchs, and thus conferring with evil plans. They cowered from Heaven's might and did not dare openly plot, but wanted to have the sovereign taken hostage. They willfully abused and terrored him, and tried to execute the good chancellor. They would arbitrarily appoint each other, try to overturn the capital regime, and endanger the altars of soil and grain. [Zhong] Yu is correct regarding the law, and we implore him to act as such." An edict wrote, "The Princess of Qizhang was the former emperor's beloved, so we shall pardon her three sons from death." Thereupon, [Li] Feng, [Xiahou Xuan, [Zhang] Ji, [Le] Dun, and [Liu] Xian were all exterminated to the third degree,[4] and their other relatives were exiled to Lelang Commandery. [Xiahou] Xuan, in character, was broad-minded. When he was about to be executed in the Eastern city, his face had not changed, and his actions were reserved. At the time, he was 46 years old.[5] During the Zhengyuan era, there was a continuation of meritorious officials' descendants; and enfeoffed [Xiahou] Shang's cousin's grandson, [Xiahou] Ben, as Marquis of Changling District, with 300 households, and received [Xiahou] Shang's lineage.

嘉平六年二月，當拜貴人，豐等欲因御臨軒，諸門有陛兵，誅大將軍，以玄代之，以緝為驃騎將軍。豐密語黃門監蘇鑠、永寧署令樂敦、宂從僕射劉賢等曰：「卿諸人居內多有不法，大將軍嚴毅，累以為言，張當可以為誡。」鑠等皆許以從命。〔一〕大將軍微聞其謀，請豐相見，豐不知而往，即殺之。〔二〕事下有司，收玄、緝、鑠、敦、賢等送廷尉。〔三〕廷尉鍾毓奏：「豐等謀迫脅至尊，擅誅冢宰，大逆無道，請論如法。」於是會公卿朝臣廷尉議，咸以為：「豐等各受殊寵，典綜機密，緝承外戚椒房之尊，玄備世臣，並居列位，而苞藏禍心，構圖凶逆，交關閹豎，授以姦計，畏憚天威，不敢顯謀，乃欲要君脅上，肆其詐虐，謀誅良輔，擅相建立，將以傾覆京室，顛危社稷。毓所正皆如科律，報毓施行」。詔書：「齊長公主，先帝遺愛，原其三子死命。」於是豐、玄、緝、敦、賢等皆夷三族，〔四〕其餘親屬徙樂浪郡。玄格量弘濟，臨斬東巿，顏色不變，舉動自若，時年四十六。〔五〕正元中，紹功臣世，封尚從孫本為昌陵亭侯，邑三百戶，以奉尚後。

〔一〕The Book of Wei states: [Xiahou] Xuan was very noble, and when [Cao] Shuang was deposed, [Xuan] felt constantly disgruntled and displeased. The Prefect of the Central Secretariat; Li Feng and [Xiahou] Xuan, along with Brilliantly Blessed Grandee; Zhang Ji secretly plotted to rebel. [Zhang] Ji and [Li] Feng were of the same commandery, and they were cunning. When [Ji] was summoned [to become] Grand Administrator of Dongguan, as he was of the Empress' family, he was also displeased, and thus they plotted together.

〔一〕《魏書》曰：玄素貴，以爽故廢黜，居常怏怏不得意。中書令李豐與玄及后父光祿大夫張緝陰謀為亂，緝與豐同郡，傾巧人也，以東莞太守召，為后家，亦不得意，故皆同謀。

Previously, [Li] Feng had a high-profile position, and his son, [Li] Tao, was also a marquis, a (geshizhong), and married to the Princess of Qizhang. Inside and outside, he was important, but his heart was uneased. He secretly told [Li] Tao, "[Xiahou] Xuan is an important person within the seas, with major responsibilities. His admiration by his generation make him a major threat, and by being related to Cao Shuang as a younger cousin, he has the Generalissimo's dislike. I have [Xiahou] Xuan's letter, showing great concern. [Zhang] Ji is talented, but removed from [leading] the armies of major commanderies, thus returning to live in his village. He constantly cannot achieve his ambitions, so he wishes to have you [over] and speak of a secret plan." [Zhang] Ji was once sick and in bed. [Li] Feng sent [Li] Tao to check on illness, and [Li] Tao blocked people so as to speak to [Zhang] Ji, stating, "I am married to a princess, and my father and son [relation share] secrets from our closeness. The Generalissimo manages affairs, and I constantly fear that we are not trusted. The Minister of Ceremonies [Xiahou Xuan] also cherishes great concerns. Sire, although you have the honor of being the Empress' father, your security has not yet been clarified, and you share concerns with my family, and my father intends to plot together with you, sire." [Zhang] Ji was silent for very long, then said, "We face that trouble in the same boat, but how can I escape it? This is an important matter, and its failure will bring disaster to our ancestors and clans." [Li] Tao thus went to report [Li] Feng. They secretly told the Supervisor at the Yellow Gates; Su Shuo, and Su Shuo answered Feng, "I only [await] your plan." [Li] Feng said, "Now upon the honoring of noblemen, there will be various guards at gates, and with his Majesty's imperial presence, we will therefore coerce him together, and then lead officers and soldiers to thus execute the Generalissimo. Gentlemen, you need to share this secret plan in your intentions." [Su] Shuo and the others said, "If His Majesty does not obey, what then?" [Li] Feng and the others said, "This matter is expedient. Right now, if you don't obey, then this will achieve disaster, nothing more. How is it not obeying?" [Su] Shuo and the others promised so. [Li] Feng said, "This matter can exterminate our clans, and you gentlemen need to keep this secret. If this matter succeeds, you gentlemen will certainly be enfeoffed as marquises or regular attendants." [Li] Feng again secretly told [Xiahou] Xuan and [Zhang] Ji. [Zhang] Ji sent his son, [Zhang] Miao, to ally with [Li] Feng, and shared plans to rise up.

初，豐自以身處機密，息韜又以列侯給事中，尚齊長公主，有內外之重，心不自安。密謂韜曰：「玄旣為海內重人，加以當大任，年時方壯而永見廢，又親曹爽外弟，於大將軍有嫌。吾得玄書，深以為憂。緝有才用，棄兵馬大郡，還坐家巷。各不得志，欲使汝以密計告之。」緝嘗病創卧，豐遣韜省病，韜屏人語緝曰：「韜尚公主，父子在機近，大將軍秉事，常恐不見明信，太常亦懷深憂。君侯雖有后父之尊，安危未可知，皆與韜家同慮者也，韜父欲與君侯謀之。」緝默然良久曰：「同舟之難，吾焉所逃？此大事，不捷即禍及宗族。」韜於是往報豐。密語黃門監蘇鑠等，蘇鑠等荅豐：「惟君侯計。」豐言曰：「今拜貴人，諸營兵皆屯門。陛下臨軒，因此便共迫脅，將羣寮人兵，就誅大將軍。卿等當共密白此意。」鑠等曰：「陛下儻不從人，柰何？」豐等曰：「事有權宜，臨時若不信聽，便當劫將去耳。那得不從？」鑠等許諾。豐曰：「此族滅事，卿等密之。事成，卿等皆當封侯常侍也。」豐復密以告玄、緝。緝遣子邈與豐相結，同謀起事。

初，中領軍高陽許允與豐、玄親善。先是有詐作尺一詔書，以玄為大將軍，允為太尉，共錄尚書事。有何人天未明乘馬以詔版付允門吏，曰「有詔」，因便馳走。允即投書燒之，不以開呈司馬景王。後豐等事覺，徙允為鎮北將軍，假節督河北諸軍事。未發，以放散官物，收付廷尉，徙樂浪，道死。

清河王經亦與允俱稱冀州名士。甘露中為尚書，坐高貴鄉公事誅。始經為郡守，經母謂經曰：「汝田家子，今仕至二千石，物太過不祥，可以止矣。」經不能從，歷二州刺史，司隷校尉，終以致敗。

Commentary

The Xiahous and the Cao clan were intermarried in their era. Therefore, [Xiahou] Dun, [Xiahou] [Cao] Yuan, [Cao] Ren, [Cao] Hong, [Cao] Xiu, [Xiahou] Shang, and [Cao] Zhen were all related and friendly like lungs and intestines. Their respect was great for the time, and left and right, they had merits, and all were effective in their work. [Cao] Shuang's virtue was miniscule for his position. He was extreme in his indulgences, that it overflowed. He is like the Dayi, hated by Taoists! With [Xiahou] Xuan's standards and systems, and the world praised his reputation. However, he and Cao Shuang were closely entangled inside and outside. With an honored position like such, [Xiahou Xuan] was not heard of correcting [Cao Shuang's] wrongs, or recommend good talents. From these arguments, how could they avoid such?

評曰：夏侯、曹氏，世為婚姻，故惇、淵、仁、洪、休、尚、真等並以親舊肺腑，貴重於時，左右勳業，咸有効勞。爽德薄位尊，沈溺盈溢，此固《大易》所著，道家所忌也。玄以規格局度，世稱其名，然與曹爽中外繾綣；榮位如斯，曾未聞匡弼其非，援致良才。舉茲以論，焉能免之乎！

Biography of Cao Zhen

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