Book of Wu · Biographies of Sun Jian and Sun Ce — English Translation

Sun Jian, courtesy name Wentai, was from Fuchun in Wu Commandery, probably a descendant of Sun Wu.

As a young man, he served as a county official. At seventeen, traveling by boat with his father to Qiantang, he encountered the pirate Hu Yu and others who had plundered merchants at Paoli and were dividing their goods on shore. Travelers stopped, and boats dared not proceed. Sun Jian told his father, “These bandits can be attacked. Let me deal with them.” His father said, “This is beyond you.” Sun Jian took a blade ashore and gestured east and west, as though deploying troops to surround the pirates. Seeing him, they thought official soldiers were coming, abandoned their booty, and scattered. Sun Jian pursued, took one head, and returned, astonishing his father. He became well known, and the administration appointed him acting commandant. The heterodox rebel Xu Chang rose at Gouzhang in Kuaiji, calling himself Emperor Yangming.

With his son Xu Shao, he stirred the counties into rebellion, gathering tens of thousands. As commandery army major, Sun Jian recruited more than a thousand brave elite men and joined provincial and commandery forces to defeat them. This was Xiping 1. Inspector Zang Min reported his achievements, and an edict appointed him Assistant Magistrate of Yandu. Several years later he transferred to the same office at Xuyi, then Xiapi.

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In Zhongping 1, the Yellow Turban leader Zhang Jue rose in Wei Commandery. Claiming divine powers, he sent eight emissaries to teach the realm a good Way, secretly forming connections and proclaiming the Great Peace of the Yellow Heaven. On jiazi in the third month, the force described in this source as “thirty-six [ten-thousands]” rose together, and the realm responded, burning commandery and county offices and killing senior officials. [Translator's note: The supplied 三十六（萬） contains a parenthesized unit; its exact numerical reading is uncertain.]

The Han court sent General of Chariots and Cavalry Huangfu Song and General of the Household Zhu Jun against them. Zhu Jun requested Sun Jian as Army Major Who Assists the Army. All the young men of his district accompanying him at Xiapi wished to follow. He also recruited traveling merchants and elite troops from the Huai and Si region, totaling about a thousand men. Joining Zhu Jun in vigorous attacks, he was irresistible wherever he advanced.

Hard pressed, the rebels of Ru and Ying fled to hold Wan. Sun Jian personally took one side of the assault and was first over the wall. The men swarmed up after him and crushed the enemy. Zhu Jun reported the details, and Sun Jian became Separate-Unit Army Major.

Commentary<The Continued History of Han says: “Zhu Jun, courtesy name Gongwei, was from Kuaiji. Fond of learning from youth, he served as commandery merit officer, was recommended as Filial and Incorrupt, and nominated as an Advanced Scholar. For defeating the Yellow Turbans, the Han court appointed him General of Chariots and Cavalry; he later became Intendant of Henan. Dong Zhuo outwardly welcomed him but inwardly feared him, while Zhu Jun secretly prepared against Dong Zhuo. When eastern armies rose and Dong Zhuo proposed moving the capital, Zhu Jun repeatedly opposed him. Though wary of Zhu Jun, Dong Zhuo coveted his reputation and recommended him as Grand Coachman to serve as his deputy. Summoned, Zhu Jun refused appointment and said: ‘The state should not move. It would disappoint the realm and cement the eastern alliance. I see no good in it.’ Officials challenged him: ‘Summoned for appointment, you refuse; not asked about moving, you discuss it. Why?’ Zhu Jun replied: ‘Serving as deputy to the Chancellor of State exceeds my capacity; opposing the capital's removal is urgent. Refusing what I cannot undertake and presenting what I consider urgent are proper duties.’ They said: ‘There was never such a plan. Even if there were, it has not been disclosed. Where did you hear it?’ Zhu Jun answered: ‘Chancellor of State Dong Zhuo told me himself. I heard it from him.’ Unable to refute him, the court admired his answer. Later he became Grand Commandant. When Li Jue and Guo Si fought and seized the Son of Heaven and high ministers as hostages, Zhu Jun, firm by nature, fell ill and died.”>

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Bian Zhang and Han Sui disturbed Liang Province, and General of the Household Dong Zhuo failed to suppress them. In Zhongping 3, Minister of Works Zhang Wen, acting General of Chariots and Cavalry, was sent west against them. Zhang Wen requested Sun Jian as military adviser and camped at Chang'an. He summoned Dong Zhuo by imperial edict, but Dong Zhuo came only after a long delay. Rebuked, Dong Zhuo answered disrespectfully. Sun Jian, present at the meeting, whispered to Zhang Wen: “Dong Zhuo fears no punishment and speaks arrogantly. Execute him under military law for failing to answer the summons promptly.” Zhang Wen said: “He has long enjoyed military prestige between Long and Shu. If I kill him now, the western expedition will lose its support.” Sun Jian replied: “You personally command the royal army, whose authority shakes the realm. Why depend on him? His words disregard you and show contempt for his superior: his first crime. Bian Zhang and Han Sui have defied authority for years and should be attacked promptly, yet he says the time is not right, discouraging the army and unsettling the men: his second crime. Entrusted with command, he has achieved nothing, delays answering summons, and holds himself proudly aloof: his third crime. Ancient celebrated generals wielded the battle-axe and executed offenders to display authority. Thus Rangju executed Zhuang Jia, and Wei Jiang punished Yang Gan. If you indulge Dong Zhuo rather than execute him, your penal authority will suffer. The matter rests here.” Zhang Wen could not bring himself to act and said: “Return for now; Dong Zhuo will become suspicious.” Sun Jian left. Hearing that the great army approached, Bian Zhang and Han Sui's followers scattered and sought surrender. When the army returned, officials withheld merit awards because it had not engaged the enemy. Yet all who heard that Sun Jian had listed Dong Zhuo's three crimes and urged his execution sighed in admiration. Sun Jian became Consultant. At that time Ou Xing, a Changsha rebel calling himself general, had more than ten thousand men besieging towns. Sun Jian was appointed Administrator of Changsha. Personally leading his officers and soldiers with carefully arranged plans, he defeated Ou Xing and his followers within weeks.

Zhou Chao and Guo Shi also raised followers in Lingling and Guiyang in support of Ou Xing. Sun Jian crossed his borders to pursue them, bringing order to all three commanderies. Recording his successive achievements, the Han court enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wucheng.

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Emperor Ling (Liu Hong) died. Dong Zhuo seized control of government and acted lawlessly in the capital. The provinces and commanderies raised righteous armies to attack him.

Sun Jian also raised troops. Inspector of Jing Province Wang Rui had habitually treated him disrespectfully; passing through, Sun Jian killed him.

Commentary<According to the Wang Genealogy, Wang Rui's courtesy name was Tongyao, and he was elder paternal uncle of Jin's Grand Guardian Wang Xiang. The Record of Wu says: “Wang Rui had earlier joined Sun Jian against rebels in Lingling and Guiyang and, regarding him as a mere military officer, spoke slightingly of him. When raising troops against Dong Zhuo, Wang Rui openly declared he would first kill Administrator of Wuling Cao Yin, with whom he had long been at odds. Afraid, Cao Yin forged a dispatch from inspecting envoy and Grand Master of Splendid Happiness Wen Yi, listing Wang Rui's crimes and ordering Sun Jian to arrest and execute him, then report. Sun Jian accepted the dispatch and attacked. “Seeing troops arrive, Wang Rui climbed a tower and asked their purpose. The vanguard replied: ‘Our soldiers have fought long and hard, and their rewards do not cover clothing. They ask the governor for additional funds.’ Wang Rui said: ‘Would an inspector begrudge them?’ He opened his stores and let them inspect them for themselves. When they reached the tower, he saw Sun Jian and asked in surprise: ‘The soldiers seek rewards. Why is Administrator Sun (Sun Jian) among them?’ Sun Jian said: ‘I have an envoy's dispatch to execute you.’ Wang Rui asked: ‘What is my crime?’ Sun Jian replied: ‘Knowing nothing.’ Cornered, Wang Rui scraped gold and swallowed it, dying.”>

By Nanyang, Sun Jian's force numbered tens of thousands. Its administrator Zhang Zi remained untroubled on hearing of the army's approach.

Sun Jian presented Zhang Zi with cattle and wine. The next day Zhang Zi visited him in return. When the drinking was well advanced, Changsha's registrar reported: “We sent instructions to Nanyang, yet roads are unrepaired and military supplies unprepared. Arrest its registrar to investigate the reason.” Frightened, Zhang Zi tried to leave, but troops surrounded him. Soon the registrar reported again: “The Administrator of Nanyang has delayed the righteous army and prevented timely punishment of the enemy. Arrest him and proceed under military law.” Zhang Zi was dragged to the camp gate and beheaded. The commandery trembled, granting every demand.

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Advancing to Luyang, Sun Jian met Yuan Shu, who recommended him as acting General Who Defeats the Enemy and concurrently Inspector of Yu Province. He trained his troops at Luyang. Before advancing against Dong Zhuo, he sent Chief Clerk Gongchou Cheng, acting as Officer Who Commands Troops, back to the province to expedite grain. A farewell sacrifice was held under awnings outside the eastern gate, attended by the officials. Dong Zhuo sent tens of thousands of infantry and cavalry against Sun Jian, with several dozen light horsemen arriving first. Sun Jian continued serving wine and conversing, ordering his units to form ranks without moving rashly. As more enemy cavalry appeared, he calmly ended the gathering and led everyone into the city. He told his attendants: “I did not rise immediately because I feared our men would trample one another and prevent you from entering.” Seeing his troops orderly, Dong Zhuo's men dared not attack and withdrew.

Commentary<Records of Heroes says: “During the campaign against Dong Zhuo, Sun Jian reached Yangren in Liang County. Dong Zhuo sent five thousand infantry and cavalry against him, with Administrator of Chen Commandery Hu Zhen as chief commander and protector, Lü Bu as cavalry commander, and numerous other officers. Hu Zhen, courtesy name Wencai, was impatient. He announced beforehand: ‘On this expedition I must behead a blue-ribbon official before discipline will be established.’ The generals resented him. Reaching Guangcheng, several dozen li from Yangren, at sunset with men and horses exhausted, they should have camped. Dong Zhuo's original orders were to rest and feed men and horses there, march by night, and attack at dawn. Resenting and fearing Hu Zhen, the generals wanted his undertaking to fail. Lü Bu and others falsely announced that the enemy had fled Yangren and must be pursued at once. They therefore marched at night. The city's defenses were complete and could not be surprised. Hungry, thirsty, and exhausted, arriving in darkness without trenches or ramparts, they removed their armor to rest. Lü Bu again spread alarm: ‘The enemy is coming out!’ The army fled in confusion, abandoning armor, saddled horses, and equipment. After more than ten li, finding no enemy, they halted. At dawn they returned to collect their weapons and attack. But the defenses were now strong and the trenches deep; Hu Zhen and the others could not attack and withdrew.”>

Sun Jian moved east of Liang and suffered a heavy attack from Dong Zhuo's army. With several dozen horsemen, he broke out. He habitually wore a red woolen headcloth; he took it off and gave it to his trusted general Zu Mao. Dong Zhuo's cavalry pursued Zu Mao, allowing Sun Jian to escape by a side road. Hard pressed, Zu Mao dismounted, placed the headcloth on a scorched post among graves, and hid in the grass. Enemy cavalry surrounded it in several rings, then approached, discovered the post, and left. Sun Jian regrouped and fought at Yangren, crushing Dong Zhuo's army and displaying the heads of its commander Hua Xiong and others. Someone then slandered Sun Jian to Yuan Shu, who grew suspicious and stopped sending grain.

Yangren lay more than a hundred li from Luyang. Sun Jian rode through the night to Yuan Shu and, drawing plans on the ground, said: “I risk myself without regard for my life, above to punish the state's enemy, below to avenge your family's private wrong. Dong Zhuo and I have no blood feud. Yet you listen to insinuations and turn to suspicion of me!”

Ashamed and uneasy, Yuan Shu immediately sent supplies. Sun Jian returned to camp. Fearing his fierce courage, Dong Zhuo sent General Li Jue and others to seek peace and a marriage alliance. He invited Sun Jian to list younger relatives suitable for provincial and commandery governorships and promised to recommend them. Sun Jian said: “Dong Zhuo defies Heaven, lacks the Way, and overturns the royal house. Unless I exterminate your three kinship groups and display them to the four seas, I shall die with eyes unclosed. How could I make peace and marry into your house?” He advanced to Dagu, ninety li from Luo.

Commentary<The Collected Records of the Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) <his title after Han's abdication> says: “Dong Zhuo told Chief Clerk Liu Ai: ‘The eastern armies have repeatedly failed. All fear me and can do nothing. Only Sun Jian, a little headstrong, knows something of using men; tell the generals to be wary of him. Formerly I campaigned west with Zhou Shen, who besieged Bian Zhang and Han Sui at Jincheng. I asked Zhang Wen to let me bring my troops as Zhou Shen's rear support, but he refused. I reported the situation, knowing Zhou Shen could not succeed; the full account remains in the archives. Before a response came, Zhang Wen sent me against the rebel Xianling Qiang, imagining the west could be pacified at once. I knew otherwise but could not stop it. Leaving Separate-Unit Army Major Liu Jing with four thousand infantry and cavalry at Anding as supporting strength, I marched out. The Qiang returned to cut my withdrawal, but a small attack opened the road because they feared the Anding force. They thought it numbered tens of thousands, not merely Liu Jing's troops. I again memorialized the circumstances. “‘Sun Jian accompanied Zhou Shen and requested ten thousand men to approach Jincheng, with Zhou Shen's twenty thousand behind. Bian Zhang and Han Sui had no stored grain within the city and depended on outside transport. Fearing Zhou Shen's great force, they would not readily fight Sun Jian, whose troops could cut their supply road; those fellows would have to return to the Qiang valleys, and Liang Province might be pacified. Zhang Wen did not use my advice; Zhou Shen did not use Sun Jian's. Instead Zhou Shen attacked Jincheng, broke its outer wall, and sent messengers announcing imminent victory. Zhang Wen also thought his plan successful. But the fellow from beyond the Liao did cut off Kuiyuan, and Zhou Shen abandoned his baggage and fled, exactly as I predicted. For this the court made me Marquis of the Capital District. Sun Jian was Army-Assisting Major; his judgment matched mine and was sound enough.’ “Liu Ai said: ‘Though Sun Jian sometimes sees a plan, he still falls short of Li Jue and Guo Si. I hear that north of Meiyang Post he led a thousand horse and foot against the enemy, nearly died, and lost his seal and ribbon. This is no ability.’ Dong Zhuo replied: ‘His troops were then an improvised volunteer force, less trained than the enemy; battles also have victories and reverses. Looking at the eastern forces as a whole, they will ultimately achieve nothing.’ Liu Ai said: ‘The eastern fellows carry off commoners to make rebels, their edge inferior, their armor, weapons, and strong crossbows likewise inferior. How could they last?’ Dong Zhuo said: ‘True. Only kill the two Yuans, Liu Biao, and Sun Jian, and the realm will obey me.’” [Translator's note: The supplied （蔡園）〔葵園〕 offers a corrected place-name, rendered Kuiyuan. “The fellow from beyond the Liao” remains the source's epithet, without an uncertain identification.]>

Soon afterward Dong Zhuo moved the capital west through the passes and burned Luo.

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Sun Jian advanced into Luo, repaired the imperial tombs, and filled the openings Dong Zhuo had excavated.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “The old capital stood empty, without cooking smoke for hundreds of li. Entering the city, Sun Jian wept in sorrow.” The Book of Wu says: “Sun Jian cleared the Han ancestral temples and sacrificed an ox, sheep, and pig. His army camped south of the city beside a well of the Zhen official establishment. At dawn, five-colored vapor appeared above it. The whole army marveled, and none dared draw water. Sun Jian sent someone down, who recovered Han's transmitting seal. Its inscription read, ‘Receiving the mandate from Heaven, may longevity and enduring prosperity follow.’ It measured four cun across, with five intertwined dragons on its knob and one corner broken. Earlier, when Zhang Rang and other palace eunuchs rebelled and forced the Son of Heaven to flee, the attendants scattered and the seal's keeper threw it into the well.” The Collected Records of the Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) says: “When Yuan Shu intended to usurp the imperial title, he heard Sun Jian had obtained the transmitting seal, detained Sun Jian's wife, and seized it.” The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “According to the Diary of Emperor Xian of Han (Liu Xie), ‘Returning from the river, the Son of Heaven recovered six seals above a pavilion.’ Early in Taikang, Sun Hao also sent six gold seals, with none of jade. Clearly the story is false.” Yu Xi's Forest of Records says: “The Son of Heaven's six seals bear the inscriptions ‘Seal of the Emperor,’ ‘Executive Seal of the Emperor,’ ‘Credence Seal of the Emperor,’ ‘Seal of the Son of Heaven,’ ‘Executive Seal of the Son of Heaven,’ and ‘Credence Seal of the Son of Heaven.’ Their different inscriptions correspond to different uses. These are what the Diary of Emperor Xian (Liu Xie) means by ‘Returning from the river, he recovered six jade seals above a pavilion.’ The transmitting seal, however, was the Qin emperor's seal worn by Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang) <a designation of Han's founding emperor> and handed down through generations, hence its name. It is not one of the six. How can the accounts be lumped together? The discussion of the six seals in Master Ying's Han Offices and Huangfu's Chronicles of Emperors agrees in wording and meaning. Han's transmitting seal read, ‘Receiving the mandate from Heaven, may longevity and well-being follow.’ ‘Well-being’ and ‘enduring prosperity’ differ in two characters; it is unclear which account is right. “‘Fine gold and jade generally emit radiant vapor, and a sacred secret treasure should shine still more brightly. It could be a marvel of its age and a wonder transmitted to posterity. Is it not a distortion to insist it is false merely because one cannot explain it? Chen Shou also omitted this from the Biography of the General Who Defeats the Enemy (Sun Jian), being misled by the Diary and not understanding that the six named seals and the transmitting seal make seven. Under Wu, no one could carve jade, so its Son of Heaven used gold seals. Though gold, their inscriptions were the same. The seals surrendered with Wu were the Son of Heaven's six seals. The earlier jade seal was an ancient surviving seal and could not be used. Questioning the transmitting seal because it is absent now merely shows failure to understand.’” I, Pei Songzhi, consider: Among those raising righteous armies, Sun Jian was especially renowned for loyal courage. If he obtained Han's sacred emblem and secretly concealed it, he harbored private ambitions. Could he then be called a loyal minister? Wu's historians wished to glorify their state, unaware that they damaged Sun Jian's excellent virtue. If the story were true and he transmitted it to his descendants, even though outside the six seals, it was certainly no object a private person should possess. When Sun Hao surrendered, he could not have sent only six seals and kept the transmitting treasure. What use had Heaven's mandate in the hall of one called the Marquis Who Returns to the Mandate (Sun Hao) <his title after surrender to Jin>? If Yu Xi is right, the seal remains in the Sun household even now. An ordinary man possessing jade is said to invite guilt; how much more such an object!>

When his work was finished, Sun Jian withdrew to Luyang.

Commentary<The Record of Wu says: “The eastern provinces and commanderies then sought to annex one another for strength. Yuan Shao sent Zhou Yu of Kuaiji as Inspector of Yu Province to seize it. Sun Jian sighed bitterly: ‘We raised righteous armies together to save the state. With the rebel nearly defeated, each now acts thus. With whom can I exert myself?’ Tears accompanied his words. Zhou Yu's courtesy name was Renming, and he was Zhou Xin's younger brother.” The Records of Kuaiji says: “When Lord Cao (Cao Cao) <a respectful designation used before his later royal and imperial honors> first raised righteous troops, he invited Zhou Yu, who gathered two thousand men and joined his campaigns as military adviser. Later Zhou Yu contested Yu Province with Sun Jian and repeatedly lost. When his second elder brother Zhou Ang, Administrator of Jiujiang, was attacked by Yuan Shu, Zhou Yu went to help. Defeated, he returned home and was killed by Xu Gong.” [Translator's note: This Zhou Yu is 周㬂, courtesy name Renming, distinct from 周瑜, courtesy name Gongjin.]>

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In Chuping 3, Yuan Shu sent Sun Jian against Liu Biao in Jing Province. Liu Biao sent Huang Zu to meet him between Fan and Deng. Sun Jian defeated him, pursued across the Han, and besieged Xiangyang. Riding alone on Mount Xian, he was shot dead by Huang Zu's soldiers.

His elder brother's son Sun Ben led the officers and soldiers to Yuan Shu, who recommended him as Inspector of Yu Province.

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Sun Jian had four sons: Sun Ce, Sun Quan, Sun Yi, and Sun Kuang. After assuming the imperial title, Sun Quan posthumously designated Sun Jian Emperor Wulie (Sun Jian) <Martial and Ardent; a posthumous imperial title>.

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Sun Ce's courtesy name was Bofu. When Sun Jian first raised righteous troops, Sun Ce moved his mother to Shu. He befriended Zhou Yu and gathered gentlemen around him, attracting the people of the Yangzi and Huai region.

After Sun Jian died, Sun Ce brought him back for burial at Qu'a, then crossed the river to live at Jiangdu.

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Governor of Xu Province Tao Qian deeply feared Sun Ce. Sun Ce's maternal uncle Wu Jing was then Administrator of Danyang, so he moved his mother to Qu'a and joined Wu Jing with Lü Fan and Sun He, recruiting several hundred men through connections. In Xingping 1 he joined Yuan Shu, who greatly admired him and returned Sun Jian's old troops to him.

Commentary<The History of Wu says: “When Sun Ce was at Jiangdu, Zhang Hong was mourning his mother. Sun Ce repeatedly visited to consult about affairs: ‘Han's succession now declines and the realm is disturbed. Heroes each hold forces for private ends; none has rescued the endangered state. My late father joined the Yuan house against Dong Zhuo but died at Huang Zu's hands before completing his work. Though young and ignorant, I have a small ambition: to ask Governor Yuan of Yang Province (Yuan Shu) for my father's remaining troops, join my uncle at Danyang, gather scattered followers, occupy Wu and Kuaiji, avenge our disgrace, and serve as the court's outer defense. What do you think?’ Zhang Hong replied: ‘I am inadequate and presently in mourning, unable to assist your great plans.’ Sun Ce said: ‘Your reputation spreads far, and people everywhere turn to you. I place this decision in your hands. How can you withhold considered instruction and disappoint my admiration? If my ambition succeeds and my blood feud is avenged, the credit will be yours. This is my heartfelt hope.’ Tears streamed down his face while his expression remained resolute. “Moved by his loyal courage and impassioned words, Zhang Hong replied: ‘When Zhou's Way declined, Qi and Jin arose, secured the royal house, and restored the lords' tribute. You continue your father's path and have a reputation for martial valor. If you go to Danyang and gather troops in Wu and Kuaiji, Jing and Yang may be united and your enemies avenged. Holding the Yangzi, displaying power and virtue, removing villains, and supporting Han, your achievements may equal Duke Huan (Jiang Xiaobai) and Duke Wen (Ji Chong'er), not merely an outer defense. The present age is full of disorder; if your enterprise succeeds, I will cross south with like-minded friends.’ Sun Ce said: ‘Once our agreement is joined, our bond will endure. I shall go now, entrusting my aged mother and young brothers to you, without further anxiety behind me.’” The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “Sun Ce went directly to Yuan Shu at Shouchun and wept: ‘My late father came from Changsha against Dong Zhuo, met you at Nanyang, and formed an alliance. Unfortunately he died before completing his work. Remembering your old kindness to him, I wish to attach myself to you. Please recognize my sincerity.’ Yuan Shu valued him greatly but would not yet return his father's troops. He said: ‘I have just appointed your honored uncle Administrator of Danyang and your elder cousin Ben (Sun Ben), courtesy name Boyang, commandant. It is a land of elite soldiers; go there to recruit.’ Sun Ce joined his uncle, obtained several hundred men, but was attacked by Jing County's chief Zu Lang and nearly destroyed. Returning again to Yuan Shu, he received more than a thousand of Sun Jian's remaining soldiers.” [Translator's note: In the supplied 賢從伯陽, the identification as Sun Ben, courtesy name Boyang, follows the surrounding account of his Danyang command; the compressed wording remains a point for review.]>

Grand Tutor Ma Midi, bearing credentials to pacify the east, recruited Sun Ce with proper ceremony at Shouchun and recommended him as Commandant Who Cherishes Righteousness. Yuan Shu's generals Qiao Rui and Zhang Xun sincerely respected him. Yuan Shu often sighed: “If I had a son like young Sun (Sun Ce), what regret would remain at death?” A cavalryman who had offended Sun Ce fled into Yuan Shu's inner stables. Sun Ce sent men to behead him there, then apologized to Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu said: “Soldiers like to desert; we should hate it together. Why apologize?” The army feared Sun Ce still more. Yuan Shu first promised to make him Administrator of Jiujiang, but appointed Chen Ji of Danyang instead. Later, intending to attack Xu Province, Yuan Shu requested thirty thousand hu of rice from Administrator of Lujiang Lu Kang. Refused, he became furious. Sun Ce had once visited Lu Kang, who would not see him and sent his registrar instead; Sun Ce resented this. Yuan Shu sent him against Lu Kang, saying: “I regret mistakenly appointing Chen Ji before. If you take Lu Kang, Lujiang will truly be yours.” Sun Ce captured Lu Kang's city, but Yuan Shu again appointed his own former officer Liu Xun. Sun Ce became still more disappointed.

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Liu Yao had been appointed Inspector of Yang Province, traditionally administered from Shouchun. Yuan Shu already occupied Shouchun, so Liu Yao crossed the Yangzi and governed from Qu'a. Wu Jing was still in Danyang and Sun Ce's elder cousin Sun Ben its commandant. On arriving, Liu Yao drove both out, and they withdrew to Liyang. Liu Yao sent Fan Neng and Yu Mi east to Hengjiang Ford and Zhang Ying to Dangli Mouth to resist Yuan Shu. Yuan Shu appointed his former officer Hui Qu of Langye Inspector of Yang Province and made Wu Jing General of the Household Who Supervises the Army. Wu Jing and Sun Ben attacked Zhang Ying and the others for years without success. Sun Ce then asked Yuan Shu to let him help Wu Jing pacify the lands east of the river.

Yuan Shu recommended Sun Ce as Commandant Who Breaks the Enemy's Charge and acting General Who Exterminates Bandits. He had barely a thousand soldiers, several dozen horses, and several hundred guests willing to follow. By Liyang his force reached five or six thousand. His mother had already moved from Qu'a to Liyang; he moved her again to Fuling, crossed the river, and won wherever he fought. None dared face him. His discipline was strict and orderly, winning the people's affection.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “Crossing the river, Sun Ce attacked Liu Yao's camp at Niuzhu and captured all its grain and weapons. This was Xingping 2. Chancellor of Pengcheng Xue Li and Chancellor of Xiapi Ze Rong acknowledged Liu Yao as alliance leader. Xue Li held Moling, and Ze Rong camped south of the county seat. Sun Ce first attacked Ze Rong, who came out to fight and lost more than five hundred heads, then shut his gates. Sun Ce crossed the river against Xue Li, who broke out and fled. Fan Neng, Yu Mi, and others regrouped and recaptured Niuzhu. Returning, Sun Ce defeated them and captured more than ten thousand men and women. “He again attacked Ze Rong but was struck in the thigh by a stray arrow and could not ride, returning to Niuzhu in a carriage. A deserter told Ze Rong: ‘Young Sun (Sun Ce) has died from an arrow.’ Delighted, Ze Rong sent Yu Zi against him. Sun Ce sent several hundred foot and horse to challenge, with an ambush behind. Before weapons met, they feigned flight. The pursuers entered the ambush and lost more than a thousand heads. Sun Ce then approached Ze Rong's camp and had his attendants shout: ‘What has become of young Sun (Sun Ce), then?’ The enemy fled in fear at night. Hearing Sun Ce was alive, Ze Rong deepened his trenches and strengthened his walls. Since his position was naturally strong, Sun Ce left it, defeated Liu Yao's detached commander at Hailing, then took Hushu and Jiangcheng.”>

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Sun Ce was handsome, fond of laughter and conversation, open-hearted and receptive, and skillful in employing men. All officials and commoners who met him devoted themselves and gladly risked death for him. Liu Yao abandoned his army and fled; the commandery administrators likewise deserted their cities.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “Sun Ce was young, and though he held office and titles, officials and people called him young Sun (Sun Ce). Hearing his approach, people lost their courage, and senior officials fled from cities into hills and grass. But when he arrived, his soldiers obeyed orders and dared not plunder, touching neither chickens, dogs, nor vegetables. The people rejoiced and competed to bring cattle and wine to the army. After Liu Yao fled, Sun Ce entered Qu'a, comforted and rewarded the troops, and sent Chen Bao to Fuling to fetch his mother and brothers. He proclaimed generous orders to the counties: ‘Former followers and local associates of Liu Yao, Ze Rong, and others who surrender will not be questioned. Those wishing to join the army shall serve personally, with their households exempted. Those unwilling must not be forced.’ Within ten days, people gathered from every direction. He obtained more than twenty thousand ready soldiers and a thousand horses; his power shook the east and his position grew stronger.”>

Yan Baihu and other men of Wu held scattered camps, each with more than ten thousand followers. Wu Jing and others proposed defeating them before going to Kuaiji. Sun Ce said: “They are bands of robbers without great ambitions, prey already caught.” He crossed the Zhe River, occupied Kuaiji, sacked Dongye, and then defeated Yan Baihu and the others.

Commentary<The Record of Wu says: “Zou Tuo and Qian Tong of Wucheng and Wang Sheng of Jiaxing, former Administrator of Hepu, each gathered more than ten thousand or several thousand men. Sun Ce attacked and defeated them all. His mother Lady Wu said: ‘Wang Sheng and your father were close enough to enter one another's homes and meet their wives. His sons and brothers are all dead, leaving only an old man. Why fear him?’ Sun Ce spared him, but exterminated the clans of the others. Attacking Yan Baihu personally, Sun Ce found him holding strong defenses. Yan Baihu sent his younger brother Yan Yu to seek peace. Sun Ce agreed, and Yan Yu asked for a private meeting to conclude terms. At the meeting, Sun Ce drew a blade and struck the mat. Yan Yu flinched. Sun Ce laughed: ‘I hear you can leap from a sitting position and are extraordinarily agile. I was only teasing you.’ Yan Yu said: ‘I reacted because I saw the blade.’ Realizing he had no special ability, Sun Ce threw a hand-halberd at him and killed him instantly. Yan Yu had been renowned for strength and courage; his death terrified Yan Baihu's followers. Sun Ce attacked and defeated them. Yan Baihu fled to Yuhang and took refuge with Xu Zhao among the local people. Cheng Pu requested an attack, but Sun Ce said: ‘Xu Zhao has righteousness toward his former lord and sincerity toward his old friend. These are a man's principles.’ He spared him.” I, Pei Songzhi, observe: His righteousness toward his former lord refers to saving Sheng Xian, described in a later annotation; his sincerity toward his old friend refers to receiving Yan Baihu.>

Sun Ce replaced all senior local officials. He himself governed Kuaiji, restored Wu Jing as Administrator of Danyang, and appointed Sun Ben Administrator of Yuzhang. Dividing Yuzhang to create Luling, he made Sun Ben's younger brother Sun Fu its administrator, and Zhu Zhi of Danyang Administrator of Wu Commandery. Zhang Zhao of Pengcheng, Zhang Hong of Guangling, Qin Song, Chen Duan, and others became his chief advisers.

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When Yuan Shu usurped the imperial title, Sun Ce rebuked him by letter and severed relations.

Commentary<The Record of Wu records the letter Sun Ce had Zhang Hong compose: “Heaven displays the star that watches faults; sage kings establish the drum inviting remonstrance, preparing against error and urgently seeking admonition. Why? Every strength has its accompanying weakness. Last winter, news of your great plan alarmed everyone. Learning afterward that you were preparing tribute, all were relieved. Recently, however, we hear you again intend the earlier design and have fixed a month for action. This increases our distress. I hope it is a false rumor. If true, what hope remains for the people? “First: when righteous armies rose, gentlemen throughout the realm responded because Dong Zhuo arbitrarily deposed and installed rulers, harmed the Empress Dowager (Lady He) and King of Hongnong (Liu Bian) <his royal title after deposition>, violated palace women, and dug up imperial tombs. Such violent rebellion drew the provinces' heroes to righteousness. Our martial power shook him from outside, and he perished within. With the chief villain dead, the young sovereign looked east and had his guardians proclaim that the armies should return. Yet north of the Yellow River there was plotting with Black Mountain; Cao Cao spread poison in eastern Xu, Liu Biao stirred southern Jing, Gongsun Zan raged in northern You, Liu Yao contended along the river, and Liu Bei contested alliances beside the Huai. Thus we could not yet obey the order to put away weapons. Now Liu Bei and Liu Yao have been defeated and Cao Cao and the others are hungry. We should join the realm against the villains. Abandoning this for an ambition to seize power is not what the realm hopes of you. “Second: Cheng Tang (Zi Lü) attacked Jie because Xia had many crimes, and King Wu (Ji Fa) attacked Zhou because Yin's crimes and punishments were grave. Though sages suited to rule, neither could have arisen without the appropriate circumstances. The young sovereign has done the realm no evil; he is simply young and coerced by powerful ministers. To dispossess him without fault would scarcely accord with Tang (Zi Lü) and King Wu (Ji Fa). “Third: even the mad and deceitful Dong Zhuo never went so far as deposing the ruler to install himself. Yet all heard his tyranny and united against him, and with seldom-tested central troops confronted hardened frontier fighters, reducing him quickly to a wandering soul. Now everyone is accustomed to enemies and experienced in warfare. We can defeat them because they are disordered and we orderly, they rebellious and we obedient. To exploit the age's confusion by a grand bid for power would merely hasten disaster. “Fourth: the realm is a sacred trust, never to be seized without foundation. Heaven's aid and human strength are both required. Tang of Yin (Zi Lü) had the white dove's sign, King Wu of Zhou (Ji Fa) the red crow's omen, Han Gaozu (Liu Bang) the gathering stars, and Shizu (Liu Xiu) <a temple name of the Eastern Han founder> divine light. The people suffered under Jie and Zhou and the forced labor of Qin and Wang Mang, enabling these rulers to remove the unrighteous and accomplish their purpose. Today the young sovereign is not the people's affliction, and no sign of the mandate has appeared. Suddenly assuming the imperial title is unprecedented. “Fifth: who does not desire the Son of Heaven's honor and the four seas' wealth? Righteousness forbids it and circumstances prevent it. Chen Sheng, Xiang Ji (Xiang Yu), Wang Mang, and Gongsun Shu all faced south as rulers, yet none succeeded. The imperial position cannot be hoped for arbitrarily. “Sixth: the young sovereign is precociously intelligent. Remove his coercion and obstructions, and he will surely restore the dynasty. Bringing your lord to King Cheng of Zhou (Ji Song)'s prosperity and yourself earning the fame of Dan (Ji Dan) and Shi (Ji Shi) is truly what I hope of you. Even if the young sovereign underwent some unexpected change, you should examine the imperial genealogy, choose a worthy close relative, continue Liu's succession, and secure Han. Thus your achievements would be engraved in metal and stone, your portrait painted, blessings transmitted forever, and your fame sung to strings and pipes. To abandon this for the difficult alternative is something your established clarity surely cannot bear. “Seventh: your house has held the chief ministry for five generations, with unparalleled power and influence. The loyal and steadfast will say you should reflect night and day on supporting the faltering state, remembering its danger, fulfilling your ancestors' wishes, and repaying Han's kindness. Those who neglect duty and encourage ambition will say: ‘Everyone is our family's official or pupil. Who would not follow? Every rival is our equal or servant. Who could resist? Why not exploit accumulated generations of power and take the throne?’ These two paths differ profoundly and require careful examination. “Eighth: sages are valued for judging opportunities and acting cautiously. Undertaking something difficult to accomplish from a position difficult to preserve would rouse enemies and excite ambition among others. Public righteousness forbids it; private calculation finds no advantage. The enlightened would not choose it. “Ninth: people are often misled by prophetic charts, forcing unrelated things together and matching written characters to please their patrons. Flattering superiors and confusing the multitude, they ultimately bring regret. This has never ceased from antiquity to now. Examine and consider it deeply. “These nine points are only things beyond what your own insight has already seen, offered to stimulate thought and supply omissions. Loyal words offend the ear; please attend to them!” The Dianlüe attributes the words to Zhang Zhao. I, Pei Songzhi, consider that although Zhang Zhao's reputation was great, his writing was inferior to Zhang Hong's. This letter must have been Zhang Hong's work.>

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Lord Cao (Cao Cao) recommended Sun Ce as General Who Attacks Rebels and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Wu.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “In summer of Jian'an 2, the Han court sent Consultant Wang Pu with an edict dated wuchen: ‘Dong Zhuo rebelled, harmed the state, and injured the people. The late General Sun Jian intended to suppress him. Though his wish was unfulfilled, his excellence became renowned. Sun Ce follows the good Way and seeks blessing without deviation. Appoint him Commandant of Cavalry, succeeding to the Marquisate of Wucheng and concurrently governing Kuaiji.’ Another edict instructed: ‘Former General of the Left Yuan Shu disregards the court's favor and raises wicked rebellion, fabricating falsehood to deceive the people amid warfare. Hearing this, we first thought it impossible. Now Bearer of Credentials, General Who Pacifies the East, concurrent Governor of Xu Province, and Marquis of Wen Lü Bu has reported Yuan Shu's deceptive practices. We know his owl-like wickedness has gone on to lawlessness: building a royal palace, appointing high ministers, sacrificing to heaven and earth, and cruelly harming the people. Lü Bu has repeatedly memorialized that Sun Ce is devoted to this court, wishes to turn against Yuan Shu, and requests recognition. Rewards await achievement and honor goes to diligence. We therefore bestow favor, continue your former fief, and add a great commandery. Now is the time to exhaust your strength and life. Unite promptly with Lü Bu and acting Administrator of Wu and General Who Pacifies the East Chen Yu, attacking together.’ “Sun Ce thought concurrent commandery administration with only the rank Commandant of Cavalry too slight for his military command and wanted a general's title. He had someone hint this to Wang Pu, who provisionally appointed him General Who Illuminates Han on imperial authority. Chen Yu then camped at Haixi. Obeying the edict, Sun Ce prepared to coordinate with Lü Bu and Chen Yu. When he reached Qiantang, Chen Yu secretly planned to attack him and sent Commandant Wan Yan and others across the river with more than thirty sets of seals and credentials to chiefs in the rugged counties of Danyang, Xuancheng, Jing, Lingyang, Shi'an, Yi, and She, including Zu Lang, Jiao Yi, and Yan Baihu of Wucheng in Wu. They were to rise within when Sun Ce departed and seize the commanderies. Discovering the plot, Sun Ce sent Lü Fan and Xu Yi against Chen Yu at Haixi. They crushed him and captured four thousand officials, soldiers, wives, and children.” The Collected Records of the Duke of Shanyang (Liu Xie) says: “Chen Yu fled alone on horseback to Ji Province and Yuan Shao, who made him Commandant of Gu'an.” The Record of Wu gives Sun Ce's memorial of thanks: “Ignorant and limited, I hold a lonely frontier position. Your Majesty's broad favor overlooks no small service, allowing me to inherit the marquisate and govern a distinguished commandery. Looking up at this honor and favor, I feel unequal to it. On the twentieth day of the twelfth month of Xingping 2, at Qu'a in Wu Commandery, I received a recommendation presented by Yuan Shu naming me acting General Who Exterminates Bandits. Only on receiving the imperial edict did I learn it was fraudulent and unauthorized. Though I immediately discarded it, I remain afraid. I lost my father at seventeen, fearing I could not sustain his enterprise or fulfill the admonition to continue a father's labor. I lack Huo Qubing's achievement at eighteen and the youthful service of Shizu (Liu Xiu)'s generals. When first commanding troops, I had not reached twenty. Though feeble and unmartial, I wish to exhaust my small life. Yuan Shu's madness and wickedness are grave. Relying on imperial majesty, I proclaim your command and punish guilt, hoping surely to present victory in repayment for your appointment.” I, Pei Songzhi, observe: The main biography dates Sun Jian's death to Chuping 3 and Sun Ce's to Jian'an 5 at twenty-six. Sun Ce should therefore have been eighteen when his father died, whereas this memorial says seventeen. They do not agree. Zhang Fan's Annals of Han and the History of Wu both put Sun Jian's death in Chuping 2; these are correct and the main biography mistaken. The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “In Jian'an 3, Sun Ce again sent local products, twice the quantity offered in the first year. That year an ordinance transferred him to General Who Attacks Rebels and changed his fief to Marquis of Wu.”>

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After Yuan Shu died, Chief Clerk Yang Hong, senior general Zhang Xun, and others wished to take their followers to Sun Ce. Administrator of Lujiang Liu Xun intercepted and captured them all, taking their treasures home. Hearing this, Sun Ce pretended friendship and alliance with Liu Xun. Liu Xun had newly acquired Yuan Shu's followers, while more than ten thousand households belonging to clans of Shangliao in Yuzhang lived east of the river. Sun Ce urged him to attack them. After Liu Xun departed, Sun Ce marched light troops day and night and seized Lujiang. Liu Xun's followers all surrendered; he escaped with only several hundred men to Lord Cao (Cao Cao).

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “Sun Ce received an edict to join Minister of Works Lord Cao (Cao Cao), General of the Guards Dong Cheng, and Governor of Yi Province Liu Zhang against Yuan Shu and Liu Biao. As he prepared to advance, Yuan Shu died. His younger cousin Yuan Yin, son-in-law Huang Yi, and others feared Lord Cao (Cao Cao) and dared not hold Shouchun. Carrying Yuan Shu's coffin and supporting his wife, children, and male and female followers, they joined Liu Xun at Wan. Liu Xun lacked grain to support them and sent his younger cousin Liu Xie to buy from Administrator of Yuzhang Hua Xin. Grain was scarce there too. Hua Xin sent officials with Liu Xie to Shangliao in Haihun and had the clan chiefs contribute thirty thousand hu. After more than a month, Liu Xie obtained only several thousand and wrote Liu Xun to come and seize it. Liu Xun secretly brought troops below Haihun, but the chiefs emptied their camps and hid, leaving him nothing. “Sun Ce was campaigning west against Huang Zu. At Shicheng, hearing that Liu Xun had gone lightly to Haihun, he sent elder cousins Sun Ben and Sun Fu with eight thousand men to await him at Pengze, while he and Zhou Yu marched twenty thousand infantry against Wan and took it. They captured Yuan Shu's craftsmen, musicians, and followers, more than thirty thousand people, together with Yuan Shu's and Liu Xun's wives and children. Sun Ce recommended Li Shu of Runan as Administrator of Lujiang, gave him three thousand soldiers to hold Wan, and moved all the captured people east to Wu. Sun Ben and Sun Fu also defeated Liu Xun at Pengze. Liu Xun fled into the Chu River and walked from Xunyang to Zhima Post. Learning that Wan had fallen, he took refuge at Xisai. At Yi he built defenses, appealed to Liu Biao, and sought Huang Zu's help. Huang Zu sent his eldest son Huang She with five thousand naval troops. Sun Ce attacked again and crushed Liu Xun. Liu Xun and Liu Xie went north to Lord Cao (Cao Cao), and Huang She fled. Sun Ce captured more than two thousand soldiers and a thousand boats and advanced on Huang Zu at Xiakou. Liu Biao sent his nephew Liu Hu and Han Xi of Nanyang with five thousand long-spearmen as Huang Zu's vanguard. Sun Ce defeated them severely.” The Record of Wu gives his memorial: “Campaigning against Huang Zu, I reached his camp in Shaxian on the eighth day of the twelfth month. Liu Biao's reinforcements also advanced against me. At dawn on the eleventh, I deployed Administrator of Jiangxia and acting General of the Household Who Establishes Might Zhou Yu; concurrent Administrator of Guiyang and acting General of the Household Who Conquers the Enemy Lü Fan; concurrent Administrator of Lingling and acting General of the Household Who Sweeps Away Bandits Cheng Pu; acting Commandant Who Upholds the Enterprise Sun Quan; acting Commandant Who Leads the Assault Han Dang; and acting Commandant of Martial Edge Huang Gai. All advanced together. Mounted, I rode along the ranks and personally beat the urgent drum, coordinating the battle. Officers and soldiers were stirred to a hundredfold enthusiasm, single-minded and resolute, competing to fulfill their duty. They crossed successive trenches as swiftly as flight. Fire was released upwind, soldiers charged beneath the smoke, bows and crossbows fired together, and arrows fell like rain. By the chen hour, Huang Zu collapsed. Before our blades and wind-driven flames, no enemy survived except Huang Zu, who escaped. We captured seven members of his household, women and children; beheaded Liu Hu, Han Xi, and more than twenty thousand others; and more than ten thousand drowned. We took over six thousand boats and mountains of goods. Though Liu Biao remains uncaptured, his cunning confidant Huang Zu served as his fighting claws; Liu Biao's arrogance depended on him. Now Huang Zu's household and followers are swept away, leaving Liu Biao isolated, a walking corpse. This is entirely the sage court's far-reaching martial power, permitting my small effort in punishing the guilty.” [Translator's note: The supplied （狼） before Han Xi is uncertain and is not silently treated as part of his personal name.]>

Yuan Shao was then powerful, while Sun Ce had united the lands east of the river. Lord Cao (Cao Cao) lacked the strength to act freely and wished meanwhile to conciliate him.

He married his younger brother's daughter to Sun Ce's youngest brother Sun Kuang and took Sun Ben's daughter for his own son Cao Zhang. He ceremonially recruited Sun Ce's brothers Sun Quan and Sun Yi and directed Yang Province Inspector Yan Xiang to recommend Sun Quan as Outstanding Talent.

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In Jian'an 5, while Lord Cao (Cao Cao) and Yuan Shao faced one another at Guandu, Sun Ce secretly intended to attack Xu and receive the Han Emperor (Liu Xie).

Commentary<The Record of Wu says: “Gao Dai was then living in retirement at Yuyao. Sun Ce summoned him and sent Assistant Administrator of Kuaiji Lu Zhao to receive him, awaiting him with an open mind. Hearing he excelled in the Zuo Commentary, Sun Ce studied it himself to discuss it with him. Someone told Sun Ce: ‘Gao Dai thinks you possess only martial talent and no literary learning. If he answers questions about the commentary by saying he does not know, my words will be proved.’ The same person told Gao Dai: ‘General Sun (Sun Ce) dislikes men who surpass him. Say you do not know whenever asked, and you will please him; explaining every point will endanger you.’ Gao Dai believed this and sometimes answered that he did not know. Sun Ce became angry, thinking himself despised, and imprisoned him. Friends and contemporaries sat exposed outdoors to plead for him. From a tower, Sun Ce saw crowds filling several li. Resenting Gao Dai's hold on people's hearts, he killed him. “Gao Dai, courtesy name Kongwen, was from Wu Commandery, intelligent and perceptive, valuing righteousness above wealth. He selected exceptional friends before they became distinguished; all eight became outstanding men. Administrator Sheng Xian made him Reporting Officer and recommended him as Filial and Incorrupt. When Xu Gong took the commandery, Gao Dai sheltered Sheng Xian with Xu Zhao and sought help from Tao Qian. When Tao Qian delayed, Gao Dai wasted away, wept bitterly, and refused food and drink. Moved by his loyal courage, resembling Shen Baoxu's righteousness, Tao Qian promised troops and gave him a letter to Xu Gong. Returning with it, Gao Dai learned that Xu Gong had imprisoned his mother. People of Wu feared for him: given Xu Gong's old resentment, going meant death. Gao Dai said that one serves one's lord as lord, and with his mother in prison, he must go. If admitted, he could settle matters. He wrote to explain himself, and Xu Gong received him. His quick and eloquent explanation immediately secured his mother's release. Before the meeting, Gao Dai told friends Zhang Yun and Shen Min to prepare a boat, since Xu Gong would regret it and pursue him. On leaving, he took his mother aboard and escaped by a different route. Soon Xu Gong sent men after them, ordered to kill them on the river if they reached the boat, but stop if it had passed. The pursuers took a different route, and Gao Dai escaped. He was in his thirties when executed.” The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “The Daoist Yu Ji of Langye had long lived in the east, traveling between Wu and Kuaiji, establishing a religious lodge, burning incense, reading Daoist books, and making talisman water to treat illness. Many people served him. Once Sun Ce assembled generals and guests atop a commandery gate tower. Yu Ji, richly dressed, came hurriedly below with a small lacquer-painted case on a staff called the Immortal's Hua. Two-thirds of the generals and guests descended to bow to him, despite the reception officers' prohibitions. Sun Ce ordered his arrest. His followers all sent women to Sun Ce's mother to plead for him. She said: ‘Master Yu (Yu Ji) helps the army obtain blessings and tends the officers and soldiers. You must not kill him.’ Sun Ce replied: ‘This man practices deception and bewilders the multitude. He made the generals abandon the rites between lord and subject, leave me, and bow to him. He must be removed.’ The generals petitioned jointly again. Sun Ce said: ‘Zhang Jin of Nanyang, as Inspector of Jiao Province, abandoned sage teachings and Han law, wore a red headcloth, played the zither, burned incense, and read heterodox Daoist books, claiming to aid transformation. The southern peoples eventually killed him. Such practices are useless; you simply have not awakened. This man is already on the register of the dead. Waste no more paper and brushes.’ He hurried the execution and displayed the head in the market. Followers still denied his death, calling it liberation from the corpse, and continued sacrificing for blessings.” The Forest of Records says: “Under Emperor Shun (Liu Bao) <a posthumous imperial title>, Gong Chong of Langye presented at court divine writings his teacher Yu Ji had obtained beside a spring at Quyang: white silk ruled in red, called the Taiping Qingling Dao, more than a hundred scrolls. From Emperor Shun (Liu Bao) to Jian'an was fifty or sixty years. Yu Ji must then have approached a hundred, an age exempt from punishment under ritual. When the Son of Heaven tours, he personally visits centenarians to inquire after them: reverence and affection for age are the sage kings' highest teaching. Yu Ji's offense did not merit death. To impose cruel punishment abruptly was a wrongful execution, no glory. I, Yu Xi, calculate that King Huan (Sun Ce) <Ardent King; his later posthumous royal title> died on the fourth day of the fourth month of Jian'an 5, while Cao Cao and Yuan Shao fought without a result. Xiahou Yuanrang's (Xiahou Dun's) letter to Shi Weize was written after Yuan Shao's defeat and says, ‘Sun Ben has been assigned Changsha and Zhang Jin employed in Lingling and Guiyang.’ Thus King Huan (Sun Ce) died before Zhang Jin. He could not have used Zhang Jin's later death as a warning.” I, Pei Songzhi, observe: In Taikang 8, Grand Rectifier of Guangzhou Wang Fan presented the Spring and Autumn Annals of Jiao and Guang Provinces. It states that Zhang Jin was still Governor of Jiao Province in Jian'an 6. The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi is indeed false as the Forest of Records says. In Search of Spirits says: “When Sun Ce intended to cross the river against Xu, Yu Ji accompanied him. A great drought brought fierce heat everywhere. Sun Ce urged officers and men to move the boats quickly and sometimes went out early himself to supervise. Seeing many officers with Yu Ji, he grew angry: ‘Am I inferior to Yu Ji, that they attend to him first?’ He arrested Yu Ji and rebuked him: ‘Drought and difficult routes prevent prompt passage, so I rose early. Yet instead of sharing our concern, you sit comfortably aboard playing at spirits and disrupt my army. I shall eliminate you.’ He had Yu Ji bound and exposed on the ground, ordering him to seek rain. If he moved Heaven to send rain by noon, he would be pardoned; otherwise executed. Soon vapor rose and clouds joined from small patches. By noon, heavy rain filled streams and gullies. The soldiers rejoiced, certain Yu Ji would be spared, and went to congratulate him. Sun Ce killed him nonetheless. Grieving soldiers hid his corpse. At night clouds suddenly covered it; next morning they could not find it.” The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi and In Search of Spirits differ about Yu Ji; which is right is unclear. [Translator's note: The supplied text has an empty quotation marker after the introduction to In Search of Spirits, followed by a full account. The account is translated in sequence. 仙人鏵, the name of the lacquered object, is retained provisionally; its exact construction is uncertain.]>

Sun Ce secretly prepared his troops and assigned the generals. Before setting out, he was killed by retainers of former Administrator of Wu Xu Gong.

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Earlier, Sun Ce had killed Xu Gong, whose young son and retainers fled into hiding beside the river. Riding out alone, Sun Ce suddenly met the retainers, who attacked and wounded him.

Commentary<The Account of the Lands Beyond the Yangzi says: “Administrator of Guangling Chen Deng governed from Sheyang. He was son of Chen Yu's elder cousin. During Sun Ce's western campaign, Chen Deng secretly sent envoys with seals and ribbons to Yan Baihu's remnant followers, plotting trouble behind Sun Ce to avenge Chen Yu's defeat. Returning, Sun Ce again attacked Chen Deng. At Dantu he awaited grain transport. Fond of hunting, he repeatedly went out with infantry and cavalry. Chasing a deer on an exceptionally swift horse, he left his riders far behind. “Previously, Administrator of Wu Xu Gong had memorialized the Han Emperor (Liu Xie): ‘Sun Ce is a fierce hero like Xiang Ji (Xiang Yu). Honor him generously and summon him to the capital. An edict would oblige him to return; left outside, he will surely trouble the age.’ Sun Ce's scouts intercepted the memorial. Sun Ce summoned Xu Gong to rebuke him. When Xu Gong denied writing it, Sun Ce ordered warriors to strangle him. Xu Gong's servants and retainers hid among the people to avenge him. Three men encountered during the hunt were these retainers. Sun Ce asked who they were. They said: ‘Han Dang's soldiers, shooting deer here.’ He replied: ‘I know all Han Dang's soldiers and have never seen you.’ He shot one, who fell at the bowstring's release. The other two, terrified, shot Sun Ce in the cheek. His following riders arrived and speared them all to death.” The Spring and Autumn Annals of the Nine Provinces says: “Hearing Lord Cao (Cao Cao) had gone north against Liucheng, Sun Ce raised all the south's forces, called himself Grand Marshal, and intended to attack Xu. Trusting his courage, he traveled without precautions and met disaster.” Sun Sheng's Appraisal of Agreements and Differences says: “These books each contain errors. Sun Ce's power extended beyond the river and over six commanderies, but Huang Zu was upstream, Chen Deng plotted within his heartland, and powerful clans in rugged country had not entirely submitted. Cao Cao and Yuan Shao struggled like tigers with world-shaking strength. How could Sun Ce spare a distant expedition to Ru and Ying and move the Emperor to Wu and Yue? Even an ordinary observer could see this, much more Sun Ce, who understood circumstances. Moreover, Yuan Shao reached Liyang in Jian'an 5, and Sun Ce was killed in the fourth month. The Records' claim that he heard Cao Cao and Yuan Shao faced one another at Guandu is mistaken. An attack on Chen Deng has evidence. The claim that Sun Ce knew every one of Han Dang's soldiers and shot a man because he did not recognize him is also dubious. Armies acquire new followers; how could their chief know them all? Killing a man simply for being unknown makes no sense. Finally, Sun Ce died in the fifth year, while Liucheng's campaign was in the twelfth: the Nine Provinces is especially erroneous.” I, Pei Songzhi, observe: The Fuzi likewise says that when Lord Cao (Cao Cao) campaigned against Liucheng, Sun Ce intended to attack Xu. How careless such histories are! Yet Sun Sheng's criticisms are not entirely right. Huang Zu had just suffered Sun Ce's defeat and had scarcely recovered his spirit. Liu Biao and his ministers had no ambitions of annexation; though upstream, how could they plan against Wu and Kuaiji? Sun Ce's undertaking should indeed first address Chen Deng, but his deployment need not end there. Strong clans and fierce leaders such as Zu Lang and Yan Hu had already been captured or destroyed. What concern were the remaining Shanyue? His plans therefore cannot be dismissed as impossible for lack of time. Had he succeeded and held supreme power, he could have established a capital anywhere between the Huai and Si. Why assume his sole aim was south of the Yangzi or that he must move the Emperor to Yang and Yue? According to the Annals of Emperor Wu of Wei (Cao Cao), he had already camped at Guandu in Jian'an 4, well before Sun Ce's death, and had long fought Yuan Shao. The Records is therefore not mistaken. Xu Gong's retainers were obscure men, yet they recognized his kindness, forgot their lives for righteousness, and suddenly displayed courage comparable to ancient heroes. The Odes says, “The gentleman has an excellent plan; lesser men join in it.” These retainers possessed something of this.>

Gravely wounded, Sun Ce summoned Zhang Zhao and others: “Central China is in disorder. With the people of Wu and Yue and the defenses of the Three Rivers, we can watch how success and failure unfold. Assist my younger brother well!” Calling Sun Quan, he fastened the seal and ribbon upon him and said: “Raising the east's forces, deciding opportunities between opposing battle lines, and contending with the realm—you are not my equal. Selecting worthy and able men, winning each man's full devotion, and preserving the east—I am not yours.” He died that night, aged twenty-six.

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After assuming the imperial title, Sun Quan posthumously designated Sun Ce King Huan of Changsha (Sun Ce), and enfeoffed his son Sun Shao as Marquis of Wu, later changing the fief to Shangyu. Sun Shao died and his son Sun Feng succeeded. Under Sun Hao, rumors said Sun Feng should be established as ruler, and he was executed.

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The appraisal says: Sun Jian was brave, fierce, firm, and resolute, rising from obscurity. Urging Zhang Wen to execute Dong Zhuo and repairing the imperial tombs displayed loyal courage. Sun Ce was gifted with heroic spirit and outstanding talent, his fierce energy unmatched in his age. He sought extraordinary men and set his ambitions on central China. Yet both were rash, impetuous, and impatient, bringing death and failure upon themselves. Nevertheless, the foundation of the eastern territorial state was Sun Ce's work. Sun Quan's posthumous honors were inadequate, and his son remained merely a marquis. In righteousness, this was too meager.

Commentary<Sun Sheng says: “The Sun brothers both possessed exceptional insight. Founding the enterprise was Sun Ce's achievement, and at death he entrusted it to Sun Quan. Men joined merely by shared spirit may die for one another; with the deep affection of brothers and their heroic judgment, how could Sun Quan begrudge a posthumous title or violate his true feelings? Perhaps he considered the changing balance of power and cautiously regulated rank. Correcting the foundation and fixing titles are a state's great safeguards; eliminating doubt prevents conflict. Duke Yin of Lu (Ji Xigu) <a posthumous ducal title> cherished righteousness but ultimately suffered Yu Fu's plot. Duke Xuan of Song (Zi Li) <a posthumous ducal title> cherished humanity but ultimately brought Duke Shang (Zi Yuyi)'s tragedy. Both sought small goodness without understanding the larger pattern, pursuing present praise without planning for successors. They treated a state of a thousand chariots lightly and did not truly follow the Way. “‘The Sun house seized the opportunities of disorder to pursue great ambitions. Its enterprise was not founded on generations of accumulated virtue, nor its state secure as a rock. With power united, its blessings could endure; with loyalties divided, disaster would rise like dust. How could it fail to prevent danger before its first sign and consider future troubles? Sun Ce was a mighty initiator, Wu's founding ruler, and all the generals and chief ministers were his former officers. Yet his heir was weak and unable to carry his father's burden. Supporting him could raise the disasters of Duke Huan of Lu (Ji Yun) and Tian Shi; exalting him could provoke the conflict of Yuyi (Zi Yuyi) and Zifeng (Zi Feng). Therefore Sun Quan fixed titles and established the basis of succession, separating high and low by a great distance. Then the state faced no charge of presumptuous encroachment, descendants had no grounds for suspicion, public opinion offered no rival theory, and ambitious men had no hope of usurpation. Though contrary to affection and meager in honors, this far-sighted restraint preserved the state's defenses forever. It may be called acting before a thing exists and governing before disorder arises. Master Chen (Chen Shou)'s appraisal has not understood this!’”>