Gongjin's Campaign Memorials
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Gongjin's Campaign Memorials
Official SGZ Biography
Chronology

Sun Jian's biography is chapter ( juan) 31 of the Records of the Three Kingdoms and part one of its Book of Wu. The following is a copy of that page. The black text is Chen Shou's original Records of the Three Kingdoms. The blue text are Pei Songzhi's additions.

孫堅傳 Biography of Sun Jian[]

  孫堅字文臺,吳郡富春人,蓋孫武之後也。〔1〕少為縣吏。年十七,與父共載船至錢唐,會海賊胡玉等從匏里上掠取賈人財物,方於岸上分之,行旅皆住,舩不敢進。堅謂父曰:「此賊可擊,請討之。」父曰:「非爾所圖也。」堅行操刀上岸,以手東西指麾,若分部人兵以羅遮賊狀。賊望見,以為官兵捕之,即委財物散走。堅追,斬得一級以還;父大驚。由是顯聞,府召署假尉。會稽妖賊許昌起於句章,自稱陽明皇帝,〔2〕與其子韶扇動諸縣,衆以萬數。堅以郡司馬募召精勇,得千餘人,與州郡合討破之。是歲,熹平元年也。刺史臧旻列上功狀,詔書除堅鹽瀆丞,數歲徙盱眙丞,又徙下邳丞。〔3〕

  Sun Jian, style name Wentai, was a man from Fuchun county in Wu commandery, and a descendant of Sun Zi. (1) In his youth he served as a county official. At age 17, Sun Jian was travelling together with his father by boat to Qiantang. It happened that the pirate Hu Yu and his associates were plundering merchants of their property, and at that time he was on the river bank distributing his spoils. All the travellers had stopped and none of the boats dared advanced. Sun Jian spoke to his father, saying: "We can strike these pirates, let us please punish them." His father said: "This is not your business." Sun Jian went, he grasped his sword and ascended the bank, with his hand he indicated east and west as though he were giving orders to divisions of soldiers in order to establish a dragnet around the traitors. The traitors looked towards Sun Jian and believed government soldiers were there to arrest them, they immediately cast aside the belongings, scattered, and fled. Sun Jian pursued them and beheaded one of the men before returning; Sun Jian's father was greatly surprised. Due to this his illustrious reputation became known, and the county offices summoned him and installed him as a county commandant. Xu Chang of Kuaiji was a heretical rebel who rose up in Juzhang, he proclaimed himself Emperor of the Brightness of Yang, (2) with his son, Xu Shao, he incited various counties, masses numbering several tens of thousands. Because Sun Jian was a Major for the commandery he recruited elite and valiant men, obtaining over 1,000, he joined the provincial forces, punished, and broke them. That year was Xiping first year [172] too. Inspector [of Yang Province] Zang Min passed on Sun Jian's exploits, an official decree made Sun Jian an Assistant in Yandu, and after several years relocated and became an Assistant in Xuyi, he once again relocated to Xiapi and served as an Assistant there. (3)

〔1〕《吳書》曰:堅世仕吳,家于富春,葬於城東。冢上數有光怪,雲氣五色,上屬於天,曼延數里。衆皆往觀視。父老相謂曰:「是非凡氣,孫氏其興矣!」及母懷姙堅,夢腸出繞吳昌門,寤而懼之,以告鄰母。鄰母曰:「安知非吉徵也。」堅生,容貌不凡,性闊達,好奇節。

(1) Wu shu (History of Wu) says: Sun Jian lifetime official Wu, his family was in Fuchun, the family burial grounds were east of the city. There were strange lights and auroras repeatedly seen above the graves, which rose up to Heaven and stretched several li. The masses all went to examine it. The elders said: "This is not an ordinary omen, the Sun clan will flourish!" In time, Sun Jian's mother was pregnant with him, she dreamt that her intestines came out and encircled the Chang Gate of Wu. She awoke and was afraid, she asked her neighbour's mother, she said: "Be calm, is it not a lucky sign." Sun Jian was born, he was not of ordinary appearance, and his character was generous and distinguished, and he liked proper conduct.

〔2〕《靈帝紀》曰:昌以其父為越王也。

(2) Lingdi ji (Annals of Emperor Ling) says: Xu Chang appointed his father King of Yue too.

〔3〕《江表傳》曰:堅歷佐三縣,所在有稱,吏民親附。鄉里知舊,好事少年,往來者常數百人,堅接撫待養,有若子弟焉。

(3) Jiangbiao zhuan (Accounts from the Area South of the Yangtze) says: Sun Jian passed through and assisted three counties, wherever he was he was praised and the officials and populace were close to him. Old friends from his hometown and youths looking for opportunities would come to Sun Jian, always several hundred men. Sun Jian received and entertained and supported them as if they were his sons or younger brothers.


  中平元年,黃巾賊帥張角起于魏郡,託有神靈,遣八使以善道教化天下,而潛相連結,自稱黃天泰平。三月甲子,三十六萬一旦俱發,天下響應,燔燒郡縣,殺害長吏。〔1〕漢遣車騎將軍皇甫嵩、中郎將朱儁將兵討擊之。儁表請堅為佐軍司馬,鄉里少年隨在下邳者皆願從。堅又募諸商旅及淮、泗精兵,合千許人,與儁并力奮擊,所向無前。〔2〕汝、潁賊困迫,走保宛城。堅身當一面,登城先入,眾乃蟻附,遂大破之。儁具以狀聞上,拜堅別部司馬。〔3〕

Zhongping first year [184], Zhang Jue, commander of the Yellow Turban rebels rose up in Wei commandery, he relied on his divine spirit. He dispatched eight envoys all adept in Daoist teachings in order to convert the whole empire, while secretly they made alliance, Zhang Jue himself proclaimed the age Great Peace of the Yellow Heaven. Third month day jiazi, 360,000 all made their move throughout the empire, they burned commanderies and counties, killed and murdered senior officials. (1) The Han government dispatched General of Chariots and Cavalry Huangfu Song and General of the Household Zhu Jun to take command of soldier, punish and strike them. Zhu Jun requested that Sun Jian be appointed his Associate Major in the Army, Sun Jian's hometown [old friends] and youths who complied with him all willingly followed. Sun Juan also enlisted various merchants and troops from along the Huai and Si rivers, 1,000 men joined. Sun Jian united power with Zhu Jun and struck the enemy to his full extent, wherever he went none would come forward. (2) Runan and Yingchuan traitors were being pressed, they fled to safeguard Wan city. Sun Jian himself was in charge of one face, he ascended the city wall and was the first to enter, his forces thereupon followed him like ants, forthwith they greatly broke them. Zhu Jun reported on Sun Jian's behaviour and he was promoted to Major with a Separate Command. (3)

〔1〕《獻帝春秋》曰:角稱天公將軍,角弟稱地公將軍,寶弟稱人公將軍。

(1) Xiandi chunqiu (Chronicle of Emperor Xian) says: Zhang Jue proclaimed himself Lord of Heaven General, Zhang Jue's younger brother Zhang Bao proclaimed himself Lord of Earth General, Zhang Bao's younger brother Zhang Liang proclaimed himself Lord of Man General.

〔2〕《吳書》曰:堅乘勝深入,於西華失利。堅被創墮馬,臥草中。軍眾分散,不知堅所在。堅所騎驄馬馳還營,踣地呼鳴,將士隨馬於草中得堅。堅還營十數日,創少愈,乃復出戰。

(2) Wu shu (History of Wu) says: Sun Jian took advantage of his success to enter deeply, in Xihua he lost his advantage. Sun Jian was wounded and fell from his horse and was lying within the grass. The army separated and scattered, but they did not know Sun Jian's whereabouts. The piebald horse Sun Jian was riding galloped back to the camp, it pawed at the ground and cried out. The officers and warriors followed the horse to the grass and obtained Sun Jian. Several dozens of days after Sun Jian returned to camp, his wounds had recovered, thereupon he again went out to battle.

〔3〕《續漢書》曰:儁字公偉,會稽人,少好學,為郡功曹,察孝廉,舉進士。漢朝以討黃巾功拜車騎將軍,累遷河南尹。董卓見儁,外甚親納,而心忌之,儁亦陰備焉。關東兵起,卓議移都,儁輒止卓。卓雖憚儁,然貪其名重,乃表拜太僕以自副。儁被召不肯受拜,因進曰:「國不宜遷,必孤天下望,成山東之結,臣不見其可也。」有司詰曰:「召君受拜而君拒之,不問徙事而君陳之,何也?」儁曰:「副相國,非臣所堪也。遷都非計,臣之所急也。辭所不堪,進臣所急,臣之所宜也。」有司曰:「遷都之事,初無此計也,就有,未露,何所受聞?」儁曰:「相國董卓為臣說之,臣聞之於相國。」有司不能屈,朝廷稱服焉。後為太尉。李傕、郭汜相攻,劫質天子公卿,儁性剛,即發病而卒。


  邊章韓遂作亂涼州。中郎將董卓拒討無功。中平三年,遣司空張溫行車騎將軍,西討章等。溫表請堅與參軍事,屯長安。溫以詔書召卓,卓良久乃詣溫。溫責讓卓,卓應對不順。堅時在坐,前耳語謂溫曰:「卓不怖罪而鴟張大語,宜以召不時至,陳軍法斬之。」溫曰:「卓素著威名於隴蜀之間,今日殺之,西行無依。」堅曰:「明公親率王兵,威震天下,何賴於卓?觀卓所言,不假明公,輕上無禮,一罪也。章、遂跋扈經年,當以時進討,而卓云未可,沮軍疑眾,二罪也。卓受任無功,應召稽留,而軒昂自高,三罪也。古之名將,仗鉞臨眾,未有不斷斬以示威者也,是以穰苴斬莊賈,魏絳戮楊干。今明公垂意於卓,不即加誅,虧損威刑,於是在矣。」溫不忍發舉,乃曰:「君且還,卓將疑人。」堅因起出。章、遂聞大兵向至,黨眾離散,皆乞降。軍還,議者以軍未臨敵,不斷功賞,然聞堅數卓三罪,勸溫斬之,無不歎息。拜堅議郎。時長沙賊區星自稱將軍,眾萬餘人,攻圍城邑,乃以堅為長沙太守。到郡親率將士,施設方略,旬月之閒,克破星等。〔1〕周朝、郭石亦帥徒眾起於零、桂,與星相應。遂越境尋討,三郡肅然。漢朝錄前後功,封堅烏程侯。〔2〕

Bian Zhang and Han Sui made disorder in Liang Province. General of the Gentlemen of the Household Dong Zhuo resisted and punished them but did not accomplish anything. In the third year of Zhongping [186], Excellency of Works Zhang Wen was temporarily appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry and dispatched westward to punish Bian Zhang et al. Zhang Wen requested Sun Jian be his Adviser to the Army, and they garrisoned at Chang'an. Zhang Wen used a decree to summon Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhuo took a long time to visit Zhang Wen. Zhang Wen reprimanded Dong Zhuo, Dong Zhuo was not contrite in his response. At that time, Sun Jian was in attendance, he came forward and whispered to Zhang Wen: "Dong Zhuo does not fear his crime and behaves and acts arrogantly, because he was summoned and did not promptly arrive, you should exhibit military law and behead him." Zhang Wen said: "Dong Zhuo has a well-known and majestic reputation between Long and Shu, if today we kill him, when travelling west none will yield." Sun Jian said: "Perspicacious Lord, you intimately command imperial soldiers and our majesty shakes all under Heaven, why shirk duty with regard to Dong Zhuo? Observe Dong Zhuo's words, he does not respect you, perspicacious Lord, he makes light of rank and is discourteous, that was his first crime. Bian Zhang and Han Sui have been rampaging throughout the year, when it was time to advance and punish them, Dong Zhuo said he could not, he stopped the army and left the forces uncertain, that was his second crime. Dong Zhuo has received appointment but had no meritorious service, he responds your official edict and kowtows, yet considers himself imposing and above you, that was his third crime. Famous generals of ancient times would hold the Ceremonial Axe and overlook the forces, and not yet has has someone not judged and beheaded those [negligent in duty] in order to show their majesty. Therefore Sima Rangju beheaded Zhuang Jia, and Wei Jiang slew Yang Gan. At present, perspicacious Lord, you have extended your feelings to Dong Zhuo, and have not immediately had him executed. Consequently this will damage your majestic punishment." Zhang Wen did not have the heart to carry out this action, therefore he said: "Sir, go back or Dong Zhuo shall become suspicious." Sun Jian then rose and went out. Bian Zhang and Han Sui heard great soldiers were headed their way, their confederate forces deserted and all begged to surrender. The army returned, because the army had not actually faced the enemy or earned any accomplishments, some advisors suggested no awards be given, however they heard of Sun Jian tallying Dong Zhuo's three crimes and urging Zhang Wen to behead him, none did not sigh in admiration. Sun Jian was conferred the rank of Gentleman-Consultant. At that time, the traitor Ou Xing of Changsha proclaimed himself a general, his forces numbered over 10,000 men, they attacked and besieged cities. Thereupon, Sun Jian was appointed Grand Administrator of Changsha. He arrived at the commandery and personally commanded the officers and warriors, and established battle plans. Within 10 days to a month, he had overcome and broken Ou Xing et al. (1) Zhou Chao, Guo Shi also commanding rebel forces and rose up in Lingling and Guiyang, they both complied with Ou Xing. Forthwith, Sun Jian exceeded his borders to seek them out and punish them, the three commanderies were set right. The Han court recorded his achievements from start to finish and enfeoffed Sun Jian as Marquis of Wucheng. (2)

〔1〕《魏書》曰:堅到郡,郡中震服,任用良吏。敕吏曰:「謹遇良善,治官曹文書,必循治,以盜賊付太守。」

(1) Wei Shu (History of Wei) says: Sun Jian reached the commandery, those within the commandery shook and submitted, he employed useful and good officials. An imperial order to officials said: "Be good and kindly to those you meet; with government offices and documents, be sure to adhere to regulations. As for the bandits and traitors, leave them to me."

〔2〕《吳錄》曰:是時廬江太守陸康從子作宜春長,為賊所攻,遣使求救於堅。堅整嚴救之。主簿進諫,堅答曰:「太守無文德,以征伐為功,越界攻討,以全異國。以此獲罪,何媿海內乎?」乃進兵往救,賊聞而走。

(2) Wu lu (Record of Wu) says: At that time, Grand Administrator of Lujiang Lu Kang's nephew became Chief of Yichun, he was attacked by traitors and dispatched an envoy to request aid from Sun Jian. Sun Jian assembled forces to rescue him. Sun Jian's Registrar advanced and admonished him, Sun Jian replied: "I have no civil virtues, through campaigns I earned my achievements. I'll cross borders to attack and punish traitors so as to make whole this fractured state. If capturing them is a crime, why should I feel ashamed?" Thereupon he advanced soldiers to go rescue him, the traitors heard and fled.


  靈帝崩,卓擅朝政,橫恣京城。諸州郡並興義兵,欲以討卓〔1〕。堅亦舉兵。荊州刺史王叡素遇堅無禮,堅過殺之。〔2〕比至南陽,眾數萬人。南陽太守張咨聞軍至,晏然自若。〔3〕堅以牛酒禮咨,咨明日亦答詣堅。酒酣,長沙主簿入白堅:「前移南陽,而道路不治,軍資不具,請收主簿推問意故。」咨大懼欲去,兵陳四周不得出。有頃,主簿復入白堅:「南陽太守稽停義兵,使賊不時討,請收出案軍法從事。」便牽咨於軍門斬之。郡中震慄,無求不獲。〔4〕前到魯陽,與袁術相見。術表堅行破虜將軍,領豫州刺吏。遂治兵於魯陽城。當進軍討卓,遣長史公仇稱將兵從事還州督促軍糧。施帳幔於城東門外,祖道送稱,官屬並會。卓遣步騎數萬人逆堅,輕騎數十先到。堅方行酒談笑,敕部曲整頓行陳,無得妄動。後騎漸益,堅徐罷坐,導引入城,乃謂左右曰:「向堅所以不即起者,恐兵相蹈籍,諸君不得入耳。」卓兵見堅士眾甚整,不敢攻城,乃引還。〔5〕堅移屯梁東,大為卓軍所攻,堅與數十騎潰圍而出。堅常著赤罽幘,乃脫幘令親近將祖茂著之。卓騎爭逐茂,故堅從閒道得免。茂困迫,下馬,以幘冠冢閒燒柱,因伏草中。卓騎望見,圍繞數重,定近覺是柱,乃去。堅復相收兵,合戰於陽人,大破卓軍,梟其都督華雄等。是時,或閒堅於術,術懷疑,不運軍糧。〔6〕陽人去魯陽百餘里,堅夜馳見術,畫地計校,曰:「所以出身不顧,上為國家討賊,下慰將軍家門之私讎。堅與卓非有骨肉之怨也,而將軍受譖潤之言,還相嫌疑!」〔7〕術踧踖,即調發軍糧。堅還屯。卓憚堅猛壯,乃遣將軍李傕等來求和親,今堅列疏子弟任刺史、郡守者,許表用之。堅曰:「卓逆天無道,蕩覆王室,今不夷汝三族,縣示四海,則吾死不瞑目,豈將與乃和親邪?」復進軍大谷,拒雒九十里。〔8〕卓尋徙都西入關,焚燒雒邑。堅乃前入至雒,脩諸陵,平塞卓所發掘。〔9〕訖,引軍還,住魯陽。〔10〕

Emperor Ling passed away, without authority, Dong Zhuo controlled the affairs of the state, tyrannising the capital. Righteous soldiers simultaneously rose up in the various provinces and commanderies, desiring to punish Dong Zhuo (1). Sun Jian also raised soldiers. In the past, Inspector of Jing Province Wang Rui encountered Sun Jian and was discourteous, Sun Jian came across him and killed him. (2) From departing to arriving in Nanyang, his forces had increased by several tens of thousands. Grand Administrator of Nanyang Zhang Zi heard of the army's arrival, he was quiet but composed. (3) Sun Jian used cattle and alcohol to show courtesy to Zhang Zi, the next day Zhang Zi also responded by visiting Sun Jian. They were intoxicated from the alcohol, the Registrar from Changsha entered and reported to Sun Jian: "It has been some time since we moved to Nanyang, yet the roads have not been maintained and nor the military equipment. Please arrest Registrar Zhang and inquire into why this is." Zhang Zi was terrified and desired to leave, but soldiers were arrayed on all sides and he was not permitted to leave. After a short while, the Registrar again entered and reported to Sun Jian: "The Grand Administrator of Nanyang has delayed our righteous soldiers and prevented us the opportunity to punish the traitors. Please have him arrested and issue a command that he be punished under military law." Then he lead Zhang Zi out to the army camp's gate and beheaded him. Those within the commandery trembled, and no request went unanswered. (4) They proceeded forward to Luyang and met with Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu recommended Sun Jian as Acting General Who Smashes Caitiffs and Inspector of Yu Province. Forthwith he governed the soldiers in Luyang city. When the army was advanced to punish Dong Zhuo, Chief Clerk Gongchou Cheng was dispatched to take command of soldiers and affairs in the province and oversee and hasten supply of military provisions. A tent was set up outside the eastern city gate and a banquet prepared to see off Gongchou Cheng, many off the junior officers attended. Dong Zhuo dispatched several tens of thousands of footmen and cavalier to oppose Sun Jian, several dozen light cavalry arrived as scouts. At that time, Sun Jian was drinking, chatting and laughing, he sent an official order that his retainers should marshal the troops and have the men remain in formation and not to permit any reckless action. Later, the numbers of cavaliers gradually increased, Sun Jian slowly got out of his seat and guided the soldiers back into the city, thereupon he spoke to his attendants, saying: "When the enemy appeared I did not immediately get up because I was afraid the soldiers would be afraid and trample one another, and then we would not be able to enter." Dong Zhuo's soldiers saw that Sun Jian's warriors and forces were very disciplined and did not dare attack the city, thus they turned back. (5) Sun Jian shifted his camp east of Liang and was greatly attacked by Dong Zhuo's army. Sun Jian, along with dozens of cavaliers had been routed and surrounded yet managed to get out. Sun Jian always wore a red, woolen conical cap, thus he shed his cap and ordered his close officer Zu Mao to wear it. Dong Zhuo's cavalry vied with each other in pursuit of Zu Mao, hence Sun Jian was able to follow a side-road and obtain freedom. Zu Mao was stranded and distressed, he put the cap upon a grave stone and then set fire to a post before concealing himself within the grass. Dong Zhuo's cavalry looked towards and saw it and several layers of men encircled the area, but as they neared they became aware it was merely a post and thereupon left. Sun Jian recovered and collected his soldiers and joined in battle at Yangren, greatly breaking Dong Zhuo's army, executing his Chief Controller Hua Xiong and others. At that time, someone tried to separate Sun Jian and Yuan Shu, and Yuan Shu became suspicious and did not convey military provisions. (6) From Yangren to Luyang was over 100 li, Sun Jian rode all night to see Yuan Shu, he drew on the ground his stratagem and said: "In come here I was not thinking of myself; above, it is to punish traitors on behalf of the state; below, General, is to remedy your family's personal feud. I do not have any blood feud with Dong Zhuo, yet, General, you accept slanderous words and dislike and suspect me!" (7) Yuan Shu was embarrassed and immediately transferred military provisions. Sun Jian returned to the camp. Dong Zhuo dreaded that Sun Jian was fierce and strong, thus he dispatched General Li Jue and others to come and request peace and an alliance, and to Sun Jian's various son and younger brothers he promised to recommend them for positions as Inspectors and Grand Administrators. Sun Jian said: "Dong Zhuo has no principles, he goes against Heaven, and he has upended the royal house. At present I have not razed your family by three degrees as an example to the world, only then can I die and be at peace. How could I take my force and make an alliance with you?" Sun Jian then resumed his advance to Dagu, 90 li from Luoyang. (8) Dong Zhuo sought to resituate the capital west and entered the passes, he incinerated Luoyang city. Sun Jian thereupon proceeded to enter Luoyang, he repaired the various tombs and closed up those that Dong Zhuo had disentombed. (9) Once done, he led his army back to Luyang. (10)

〔1〕《江表傳》曰:堅聞之,拊膺歎曰:「張公昔從吾言,朝廷今無此難也。」

(1) Jiangbiao zhuan (Accounts from the Area South of the Yangtze) says: Sun Jian heard this, he patted his breast, sighed, and said: "Had Lord Zhang heeded my words in former times, the imperial court would not now be experiencing this difficulty."

〔2〕案《王氏譜》,叡字通耀,晉太保祥伯父也。《吳錄》曰:叡先與堅共擊零、桂賊,以堅武官,言頗輕之。及叡舉兵欲討卓,素與武陵太守曹寅不相能,楊言當先殺寅。寅懼,詐作案行使者光祿大夫溫毅檄,移堅,說叡罪過,令收行刑訖,以狀上。堅即承檄勒兵襲叡。叡聞兵至,登樓望之,遣問欲何為,堅前部答曰:「兵久戰勞苦,所得賞,不足以為衣服,詣使君更乞資直耳。」叡曰:「刺史豈有所吝?」便開庫藏,使自入視之,知有所遺不。兵進及樓下,叡見堅,驚曰:「兵自求賞,孫府君何以在其中?」堅曰:「被使者檄誅君。」叡曰:「我何罪?」堅曰:「坐無所知。」叡窮迫,刮金飲之而死。

In the Wang shipu (Registrar of the Wang clan) Wang Rui, styled Tongyao. He was also the great-uncle of Jin's Taibao Wang Xiang. Wu lu (Record of Wu) says: Wang Rui first joined Sun Jian when together they struck the traitors of Lingling and Guiyang; but because Sun Jian was only a military man, Wang Rui belittled him. In time, Wang Rui raised soldiers, desiring to punish Dong Zhuo. In the past, Wang Rui and Grand Administrator of Wuling Cao Yin had some issue, so Wang Rui said that he first planned to kill Cao Yin. Cao Yin was dreading this so he forged a dispatch and had a man pretend to be an emissary for the Imperial Household Grandee in order to sway Sun Jian. It admonished Wang Wui's faults and ordered that he be arrested and face punishment. Sun Jian immediately assumed the dispatch was genuine and forced his soldiers to raid Wang Rui's position. Wang Rui heard and climbed a tower to see them, he dispatched someone to ask what they wanted and why they were there. Sun Jian's advance division said: "For a long time, we soldiers have been battled and toiling through hardships and are here to get compensation. It is not enough that we only get clothes, so we have come to directly to you, Commissoner, to beg further support." Wang Rui said: "How is it that the Inspector could be so stingy?" So Wang Rui opened up his storehouses and inspected their contents himself, however he realised that their compensation had indeed been given. He went back to the tower and saw Sun Jian approaching, alarmed he said: "If the soldiers are here to request compensation, why would Magistrate Sun be located among them?" Sun Jian said: "I come bearing an emissarial dispatch to execute you, sir." Wang Rui said: "What is my crime?" Sun Jian said: "You just don't understand things." Wang Rui was option-less and distressed, he scraped gold, drank it, and died.

〔3〕 《英雄記》曰:咨字子議,潁川人,亦知名。《獻帝春秋》曰:袁術表堅假中郎將。堅到南陽,移檄太守請軍糧。咨以問綱紀,綱紀曰:「堅鄰郡二千石,不應調發。」咨遂不與。

Yingxiong ji (Records of Heroes and Champions) says: Zhang Zi, styled Ziyi, was a man from Yingchuan commandery. {Xiandi Chunqiu (Chronicles of Emperor Xian)} says: Yuan Shu recommended Sun Jian be provisionally appointed as General of the Gentlemen of the Household. Sun Jian reached Nanyang and requested military provisions from the Grand Administrator. Zhang Zi asked his gangji his thoughts on this, and he said: "Sun Jian's neighbouring commandery has 2,000 bushels [of grain], you should not need to transfer him supplies." So Zhang Zi did not.

〔4〕《吳歷》曰:初堅至南陽,咨既不給軍糧,又不肯見堅。堅欲進兵,恐有後患,乃詐得急疾,舉軍震惶,迎呼巫醫,禱祀山川。遣所親人說咨,言病困,欲以兵付咨。咨聞之,心利其兵,即將步騎五六百人詣營省堅。堅臥與相見。無何,卒然而起,按劍罵咨,遂執斬之。此語與本傳不同。

(4) Wu li (Progress of Wu) says: Earlier, Sun Jian arrived in Nanyang, Zhang Zi did not supply him with military supplies, he also refused to meet him. Sun Jian desired to advance his soldiers but was afraid Zhang Zi would become a threat to his rear, therefore he pretend to get sick, his army was shaking with fear. He received a shaman to cure him and offered sacrifices to the hills and rivers. Sun Jian dispatched some relatives to convince Zhang Zi, they said his illness was distressing and he desired to hand over his soldiers to Zhang Zi. Zhang Zi heard it, in his heart he desired to seek advantage from his soldiers and immediately took 500-600 footmen and cavalry and entered Sun Jian's camp to see him. Sun Jian met with Zhang Zi and pretended to be sick, however he jumped up, grabbed a sword and condemned Zhang Zi, forthwith he grasped him and beheaded him. This account is not the same as the original biography.

〔5〕《英雄記》曰:初堅討董卓,到梁縣之陽人。卓亦遣兵步騎五千迎之,陳郡太守胡軫為大督護,呂布為騎督,其餘步騎將校都督者甚眾。軫字文才,性急,預宣言曰:「今此行也,要當斬一青綬,乃整齊耳。」諸將聞而惡之。軍到廣成,去陽人城數十里。日暮,士馬疲極,當止宿,又本受卓節度宿廣成,秣馬飲食,以夜進兵,投曉攻城。諸將惡憚軫,欲賊敗其事,布等宣言「陽人城中賊已走,當追尋之;不然失之矣」,便夜進軍。城中守備甚設,不可掩襲。於是吏士飢渴,人馬甚疲,且夜至,又無塹壘。釋甲休息,而布又宣言相驚,云「城中賊出來」。軍眾擾亂奔走,皆棄甲,失鞍馬。行十餘里,定無賊,會天明,便還,拾取兵器,欲進攻城。城守已固,穿塹已深,軫等不能攻而還。

(5) Yingxiong ji (Records of Heroes and Champions) says: Earlier, Sun Jian punished Dong Zhuo and reached Yangren of Liang county. Dong Zhuo also dispatched soldiers, 5,000 footmen and cavalry, to meet him. Grand Administrator of Chen commandery Hu Zhen served as the great commander and protector of the army, Lü Bu served as commander of the cavalry, his remaining footmen, cavalry, generals, colonels and chief controllers were numerous.

〔6〕《江表傳》曰:或謂術曰:「堅若得洛,不可復制,此為除狼而得虎也」,故術疑之。

(6) Jiangbiao zhuan (Accounts from the Area South of the Yangtze) says: Someone spoke to Yuan Shu, saying: "If Sun Jian obtains Luoyang, it would be repeating the cycle of oppression. This would be like using a tiger to eliminate a wolf." Hence Yuan Shu began to suspect Sun Jian.

〔7〕《江表傳》載堅語曰:「大勳垂捷而軍糧不繼,此吳起所以歎泣於西河,樂毅所以遺恨於垂成也。願將軍深思之。」

(7) Jiangbiao zhuan (Accounts from the Area South of the Yangtze) has a parallel speech by Sun Jian, saying: "I have performed great service and have nearly triumphed yet my military provisions have not continued. For this the men of Wu rose up but not sigh and weep west of the river, and the resolve of those who volunteered has also begun to waiver as victory slips out of reach. General, will you seriously dwell on this."

〔8〕《山陽公載記》曰:卓謂長史劉艾曰:「關東軍敗數矣,皆畏孤,無能為也。惟孫堅小戇,頗能用人,當語諸將,使知忌之。孤昔與周慎西征,慎圍邊、韓於金城。孤語張溫,求引所將兵為慎作後駐。溫不聽。孤時上言其形勢,知慎必不克。臺今有本末。事未報,溫又使孤討先零叛羌,以為西方可一時蕩定。孤皆知其不然而不得止,遂行,留別部司馬劉靖將步騎四千屯安定,以為聲勢。叛羌便還,欲截歸道,孤小擊輒開,畏安定有兵故也。虜謂安定當數萬人,不知但靖也。時又上章言狀,而孫堅隨周慎行,謂慎求將萬兵造金城,使慎以二萬作後駐,邊、韓城中無宿穀,當於外運,畏慎大兵,不敢輕與堅戰,而堅兵足以斷其運道,兒曹用必還羌谷中,涼州或能定也。溫既不能用孤,慎又不用堅,自攻金城,壞其外垣,馳使語溫,自以克在旦夕,溫時亦自以計中也。而渡遼兒果斷蔡圍,慎棄輜重走,果如孤策。臺以此封孤都鄉侯。堅以佐軍司馬,所見與人同,自為可耳。」艾曰:「堅雖時見計,故自不如李傕、郭汜。聞在美陽亭北,將千騎步與虜合,殆死,亡失印綬,此不為能也。」卓曰:「堅時烏合義從,兵不如虜精,且戰有利鈍。但當論山東大勢,終無所至耳。」艾曰:「山東兒驅略百姓,以作寇逆,其鋒不如人,堅甲利兵彊弩之用又不如人,亦安得久?」卓曰:「然,但殺二袁、劉表、孫堅,天下自服從孤耳。」

(8) Shanyang gong zaiji (Parallel Annals of the Duke of Shanyang) says: Dong Zhuo spoke to Chief Clerk Liu Ai, saying: "The army from east of the passes has been repeatedly defeated, all are in awe of me, and none have any ability. Except for Sun Jian, the little fool, he is a considerably capable and useful man, tell the various generals to avoid him. In former times, I went westward with Zhou Shen and we surrounded Bian Zhang and Han Sui at Jincheng [commandery]. I spoke to Zhang Wen and requested I take command of the soldiers and have Zhou Shen act as my rearguard. Zhang Wen would not listen. At that time I made note of his situation and informed Zhou Shen that he would certainly not be able to overcome them. Instead, Zhang Wen sent me to punish the rebellious Qiang of Xianling, believing he could clear them away and settle the west for a time. I knew he was wrong yet could not change his mind, so I travelled. We left Major with a Separate Command Liu Jing to command the 4,000 footmen and cavalry garrisoned at Anding in order to act as a show of strength. The rebellious Qiang then returned to Anding wanting to sever our lines of communication. But the enemy was afraid of the soldiers of Anding and talked about it housing tens of thousands of men, not realising it was only Liu Jing. At that time, Sun Jian also complied with Zhou Shen, he requested a command of 10,000 soldiers to isolate Jincheng while Zhou Shen use 20,000 men and act as his rearguard. Bian Zhang and Han Sui were within the city and did not have provisions for a long-term occupation they only relied on transports from outside. And with the enemy in awe of Zhou Shen's great soldiers they would not dare make light of a battle with Sun Jian, yet Sun Jian would have sufficient soldiers to sever their supply lines. Had his commander used this plan they would certainly have withdrawn to the valley and perhaps Liang Province could also have been settled. As Zhang Wen was unable to use me, Zhou Shen was also unable to use Sun Jian, he attacked Jincheng himself and ruined their outer wall. He hurried sent an envoy to tell Zhang Wen, while he remained from dawn till dusk to overcome the city, and Zhang Wen himself also came to punish those within the city. Yet they escaped and actually severed Zhou Shen's lines of communication, Zhou Shen abandoned his baggage train and fled, this was just as what I had proposed. After those events I was enfeoffed as a Marquis of a Chief District and Sun Jian was made an Associate Major in the Army. He and I see things the same, he will certainly be a problem." Liu Ai said: "Although at that time Sun Jian saw a [good] strategy, he is certainly inferior to Li Jue and Guo Si. When I was north of Meiyang village I heard, he had 1,000 cavaliers and footmen and joined with bandits and almost died, and he forfeited his seal and tassel. That does not sound like one of ability." Dong Zhuo said: "Right. If I merely kill the two Yuan, Liu Biao and Sun Jian, the whole empire will certainly submit and obey me."

〔9〕《江表傳》曰:舊京空虛,數百里中無煙火。堅前入城,惆悵流涕。《吳書》曰:堅入洛,掃除漢宗廟,祠以太牢。堅軍城南甄官井上,旦有五色氣,舉軍驚怪,莫有敢汲。堅令人入井,探得漢傳國璽,文曰「受命于天,既壽永昌」,方圜四寸,上紐交五龍,上一角缺。初,黃門張讓等作亂,劫天子出奔,左右分散,掌璽者以投井中。《山陽公載記》曰:袁術將僭號,聞堅得傳國璽,乃拘堅夫人而奪之。《江表傳》曰:案《漢獻帝起居注》云「天子從河上還,得六璽於閣上」,又太康之初孫皓送金璽六枚,無有玉,明其偽也。虞喜《志林》曰:天子六璽者,文曰「皇帝之璽」、「皇帝行璽」、「皇帝信璽」、「天子之璽」、「天子行璽」、「天子信璽」。此六璽所封事異,故文字不同。《獻帝起注》云「從河上還,得六玉璽於閣上」,此之謂也。傳國璽者,乃漢高祖所佩秦皇帝璽,世世傳受,號曰傳國璽。案傳國璽不在六璽之數,安得總其說乎?應氏《漢官》、皇甫《世紀》,其論六璽,文義皆符。漢宮傳國璽,文曰「受命于天,既壽且康」。「且康」「永昌」,二字為錯,未知兩家何者為得。金玉之精,率有光氣,加以神器祕寶,輝耀益彰,蓋一代之奇觀,將來之異聞,而以不解之故,強謂之偽,不亦誣乎!陳壽為破虜傳亦除此說,俱惑起居注,不知六璽殊名,與傳國為七者也。吳時無能刻玉,故天子以金為璽。璽雖以金,於文不異。吳降而送璽者送天子六璽,曩所得玉璽,乃古人遺印,不可施用。天子之璽,今以無有為難,不通其義者耳。臣松之以為孫堅於興義之中最有忠烈之稱,若得漢神器而潛匿不言,此為陰懷異志,豈所謂忠臣者乎?吳史欲以為國華,而不知損堅之令德。如其果然,以傳子孫,縱非六璽之數,要非常人所畜,孫皓之降,亦不得但送六璽,而寶藏傳國也。受命于天,奚取於歸命之堂,若如喜言,則此璽今尚在孫門。匹夫懷璧,猶曰有罪,而況斯物哉!

(9) Jiangbiao zhuan (Accounts from the Area South of the Yangtze) says: The former capital was base and empty, for hundreds of li there was no smoke or fire [indicating habitation]. Sun Jian came forward and entered the city, he was forlorn and wept. Wu Shu (History of Wu) says: Sun Jian entered Luoyang, he swept up the Han ancestral temples and halls and conducted a great sacrifice. Sun Jian's army was south of the city by a well. At dawn a rainbow appeared from the well, the army was alarmed and bewildered and none dared draw water from the well. Sun Jian ordered a man to enter the well, while exploring he obtained the Han Great Seal of State, the inscription read: "For he who has received the Mandate from Heaven, long life and eternal glory." The base was 92 cm, on top of that it had a handle of five interlacing dragons. One corner was chipped. Earlier, when the Yellow Gate Attendants Zhang Rang et al. made disorder, they abducted the Emperor and fled, his attendants split up and scattered one had taken the Imperial Seal and hurled it into the well. Shanyang gong zaiji (Parallel Annals of the Duke of Shanyang) says: Yuan Shu planned to usurp the imperial title, when he heard Sun Jian had obtained the Great Seal of State, he therefore restrained Sun Jian's Senior Concubine in order to snatch it.

〔10〕《吳錄》曰:是時關東州郡,務相兼并以自彊大。袁紹遣會稽周㬂為豫州刺史,來襲取州。堅慨然歎曰:「同舉義兵,將救社稷。逆賊垂破而各若此,吾當誰與戮力乎!」言發涕下。㬂字仁明,周昕之弟也。《會稽典錄》曰:初曹公興義兵,遣人要㬂,㬂即收合兵眾,得二千人,從公征伐,以為軍師。後與堅爭豫州,屢戰失利。會次兄九江太守昂為袁術所攻,㬂往助之。軍敗,還鄉里,為許貢所害。


(10) Wu lu (Record of Wu) says: At that time, great and powerful men in the provinces and commanderies east of the passes simultaneously began to act for themselves. Yuan Shao dispatched Zhou Yu of Kuaiji to serve as Inspector of Yu Province, and he came to raid and take the province. Sun Jian was sad and sighed, saying: "Together we raised righteous soldiers, and would have saved the nation. We went against traitors and almost broke them yet now they each act like this, whom can I join forces with now?!" He cried as he spoke. Zhou Yu, styled Renming, was also the younger brother of Zhou Xin. Kuaiji dianlu (Authoritative Record of Kuaiji) says: Earlier, Cao Cao raised righteous soldiers, he dispatched men to demand Zhou Yu come, Zhou Yu immediately brought together soldiers, obtaining 2,000 men, and followed Cao Cao on campaign, he was considered a teacher. Afterwards, he contended with Sun Jian for Yu Province, he repeatedly battled and suffered defeats. It happened that his second eldest brother Grand Administrator of Jiujiang Zhou Ang was being attacked by Yuan Shu, so Zhou Yu went to assist him. The army was defeated and he returned to his hometown, where, because he promised tribute, he came to harm.

  初平三年,術使堅征荊州,擊劉表。表遣黃祖逆於樊、鄧之間。堅擊破之,追渡漢水,遂圍襄陽,單馬行峴山,為祖軍士所射殺〔1〕。兄子賁,帥將士眾就術,術復表賁為豫州刺史。

Chuping third year [192], Yuan Shu sent Sun Jian to subdue Jing Province by striking Liu Biao. Liu Biao dispatched Huang Zu to go against him between Fan and Deng. Sun Jian struck and broke Huang Zu and pursued him across the Han River, forthwith besieging Xiangyang. Alone on his horse while in the Xian Hills, Sun Jian was shot by a warrior of Huang Zu's and killed. (1) Sun Jian's nephew, Sun Ben, took command of the forces at brought them to Yuan Shu, Yuan Shu recommended Sun Ben be appointed Inspector of Yu Province.

〔1〕《典略》曰;堅悉其眾攻表,表閉門,夜遣將黃祖潛出發兵。祖將兵欲還,堅逆與戰。祖敗走,竄峴山中。堅乘勝夜追祖,祖部兵從竹木間暗射堅,殺之。《吳錄》曰:堅時年三十七。《英雄記》曰:堅以初平四年正月七日死。又云:劉表將呂公將兵緣山向堅,堅輕騎尋山討公。公兵下石。中堅頭,應時腦出物故。其不同如此也。

(1) Dian lüe (Authoritative Account) says: The entirety of Sun Jian's force were attacking Liu Biao, Liu Biao shut his gates, at night Liu Biao dispatched his officer Huang Zu to secretly go out with soldiers, Sun Jian went against them and engaged them in battled. Huang Zu was defeated and fled, he escaped into the Xian Hills. Sun Jian took advantage of his success and pursued Huang Zu, Huang Zu's regiment went into a bamboo grove and shot Sun Jian, killing him. Wu lu (Record of Wu) says: At that time, Sun Jian was 37. Yingxiong ji (Records of Heroes and Champions) says: Sun Jian died on the seventh day of the first month of the fourth year of Chuping. It also says: Liu Biao had Lü Gong lead soldiers along the hill towards Sun Jian, and Sun Jian had light cavalry searching the hills to punish Lü Gong. Lü Gong's soldiers threw down stones. One hit Sun Jian on the head, his brain came out and he died. This is not the same.

  堅四子:策、權、翊、匡。權既稱尊號,諡堅曰武烈皇帝。〔1〕

Sun Jian had four sons: Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Sun Yi and Sun Kuang. Since Sun Quan proclaimed the honour of the imperial title, he posthumously titled Sun Jian 'Ardent Martial Emperor'. (1)

〔1〕 《吳錄》曰:尊堅廟曰始祖,墓曰高陵。《志林》曰:堅有五子:策、權、翊、匡,吳氏所生;少子朗,庶生也,一名仁。

(1) Wu lu (Record of Wu) says: On Sun Jian's shrine, he was honoured and 'First Ancestor' and his grave read 'High Tomb'. Zhilin says: Sun Jian had five sons: Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Sun Yi, Sun Kuang, born of Lady Wu; and a younger son, Sun Lang, born of a commoner.

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