Book of Wu · Biographies of Zhuge Ke, Teng Yin, Sun Jun, Sun Chen, and Puyang Xing

Zhuge Ke, courtesy name Yuanxun, was Zhuge Jin's eldest son. He was renowned in youth.

At about twenty he became Cavalry Commandant. With Gu Tan, Zhang Xiu, and others he attended Crown Prince Sun Deng's discussions of learning as a companion, advancing from Palace Gentleman to Colonel of the Left Assistance. His father Jin's long face resembled a donkey. At a great gathering, Sun Quan had a donkey brought in with a long placard on its face reading “Zhuge Ziyu.” Ke knelt: “May I add two characters?” Given a brush, he appended “'s donkey.” Everyone laughed, and Quan gave him the donkey. Another day Quan asked whether Ke's father or uncle was worthier. Ke answered his father, because “My father knows whom to serve; my uncle does not.” Quan roared with laughter. Ordered to serve wine, Ke reached Zhang Zhao, already flushed and refusing more: “This is no way to nourish the aged.” Quan told Ke to make him concede. Ke said: “Grand Preceptor Shangfu (Jiang Shang), at ninety, still held the banner and axe without claiming retirement. In warfare you stand behind; in food and wine you stand first. How are the aged not nourished?” Zhao had no reply and drained the cup. Later, in friendly relations with Shu, Quan told its envoy before the ministers: “Zhuge Ke is skilled at riding. Tell the chancellor on your return to send him a good horse.” Ke immediately came down to thank him. Quan asked why, before the horse arrived. Ke said: “Shu is Your Majesty's outer stable. With your gracious order, the horse will certainly come. How dare I not give thanks?” Such was his ready wit.

Quan greatly admired him and wanted to test him in affairs, assigning him as acting Grain Controller. This office managed military grain, with burdensome paperwork he disliked.

Ke thought Danyang's rugged mountains held many bold, strong inhabitants. Earlier levies had obtained only commoners of outer counties, never fully seizing those deep within. He repeatedly requested an appointment to bring them out, promising forty thousand armored men in three years. General opinion held this difficult: Danyang bordered Wu, Kuaiji, Xindu, and Poyang over several thousand li, with countless deep valleys whose inhabitants had never entered towns or faced senior officials. Armed and free in the wilds, they grew gray in forests. Fugitives and old criminals joined them. The mountains produced copper and iron for their own armor and weapons. They prized force and practiced fighting, ascending dangerous hills and plunging through thorn thickets like fish into pools or apes into trees. Watching openings, they emerged to raid; campaigns pursuing their lairs met swarms in battle and scattered birds after defeat. Since earlier ages none had restrained them. His father Jin too doubted success: “Ke will either greatly raise our house or strip our clan utterly bare.” Ke forcefully insisted on victory. Quan made him General Who Soothes the Yue and concurrent Administrator of Danyang, granting ceremonial halberds and three hundred armed riders. After appointment he went home with full procession, drums, and pipes. He was thirty-two. Reaching headquarters, he instructed the chiefs of the four divisions' subordinate towns to secure boundaries, organize units, and settle all obedient commoners in camps. He divided his generals among remote barriers, merely repairing enclosures without battle. As crops ripened, soldiers cut them all down, leaving no seed. Old grain exhausted, new crops unharvested, and lowland people concentrated in camps, the mountain inhabitants could raid nowhere. Starving, they gradually surrendered. Ke ordered them comforted and moved to outer counties without suspicion or detention. Hu Kang, Chief of Jiuyang, captured surrendering Zhou Yi, an old criminal who had emerged only under pressure while secretly planning renewed rebellion. Kang bound him and reported him to headquarters. Ke executed Kang for violating orders, displaying his fate and reporting it to Quan. Hearing that an official died for arresting a man, the people knew government wanted only their emergence. Old and young came out together. By the appointed period <within the three-year plan stated above> their number matched Ke's original estimate. He retained ten thousand and distributed the rest among the generals.

Quan praised his achievement and sent Vice Director of the Masters of Writing Xue Zong to console the army. Zong first wrote Ke and the others:

“The Shanyue relied on barriers and refused submission for ages, wavering when pressure relaxed and looking about like wolves when pressed. The emperor in majesty ordered a western expedition, imparting divine strategy within and shaking the enemy with armies without. Blades were unstained and armor unwetted by sweat. Principal villains beheaded, their peoples returned to duty. Mountains and marshes were cleansed and a hundred thousand fighting men presented. No raiders remained in the wilds or criminals in settlements. Evil was swept away and military resources filled. Brambles and weeds became good grasses; goblins became tiger-like warriors. Though the state's spiritual might accomplished it, the commander's personal supervision surely contributed <the supplied phrase 無帥 appears irregular>. The Odes praises captured enemies and the Changes severed chiefs; yet Zhou's Fang Shu and Duke of Shao, Han's Wei Qing and Huo Qubing scarcely compare. Achievement surpasses antiquity and merit earlier generations. The sovereign rejoices and admires from afar. Remembering the Four Stallions' precedent and the old rite of drinking upon victorious return, he sends a close central officer with provisions and gifts to mark great merit and comfort toil.”

Ke became General Who Awes the North and Marquis of Duxiang. He requested leave to farm with his troops at Wankou in Lujiang, then raided Shu (舒) with light troops, seized inhabitants, and returned. He sent distant scouts to inspect strategic routes, intending Shouchun, but Quan refused.

During Chiwu, King Xuan (Sima Yi) of Wei <a posthumous royal title> planned to attack Ke. Quan was preparing reinforcements, but observers of vapors judged it inauspicious, so Ke was moved to Chaisang. He wrote Chancellor Lu Xun:

“Yang Jingshu conveyed your excellent opinion that talent is now depleted and few preserve virtuous achievements; we should assist one another like cheek and jaw, improving state affairs above and cherishing one another below. You also deplore customary mutual slander, which damages accomplished men and discourages those advancing. Hearing this I sigh and applaud. A gentleman, I think, demands no completeness in one man. Confucius had about three thousand followers, seventy-two especially eminent. Even Zizhang, Zilu, Zigong, and the others, second in virtue to the sage, had shortcomings: Shi was one-sided, You coarse, and Ci did not accept his allotted lot. How could lesser men lack faults? Zhongni did not reject the several men's incompleteness but drew them as friends, nor discard strengths for weaknesses. Present selection should moreover be broader than antiquity. Affairs are complex and good men few; offices constantly lack staff. If a man is not wicked and wishes to exert himself, encourage him and let him exercise his capacity. Minor improprieties or deficient private conduct should be overlooked rather than minutely blamed. Harsh, petty scrutiny would not leave even sages intact, much less ordinary men. Thus judging men against the Way is difficult; judging men against men easier: wisdom and folly can be discerned. Since Han's end, Central States gentlemen such as Xu Zijiang (Xu Shao) have slandered one another, sometimes causing disaster. Their beginnings were no great enmity, merely inability to perfect their own ritual conduct while demanding strict righteousness from others. Imperfect conduct fails to convince others; strict reproach becomes intolerable. Inner disbelief and outer resentment inevitably generate hatred, which opens room for petty men. Then repeated allegations and insinuating slander arrive in confusion. Even the most discerning and intimate would struggle to settle matters, much more those already estranged and unclear. Thus Zhang Er and Chen Yu came to bloody blades, and Xiao Yu and Zhu Bo failed to preserve friendship. Refusing to overlook small faults and minutely blaming one another eventually makes every household an enemy and leaves the whole state without a man of unimpaired conduct.”

Ke knew Xun suspected him of this failing, so expanded the principle and endorsed Xun's meaning. Xun then died; Ke became General-in-Chief with a tally, stationed at Wuchang and replacing him in Jing Province's affairs.

After some time Quan fell ill. The crown prince was young, so Ke was summoned as General-in-Chief and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, with Director of the Secretariat Sun Hong as Junior Tutor. Gravely ill, Quan summoned Ke, Hong, Minister of Ceremonies Teng Yin, General Lü Ju, and Palace Attendant Sun Jun to entrust future affairs.

Next day Quan died. Hong, long at odds with Ke and fearing punishment, concealed the death and intended a forged edict to remove him. Sun Jun told Ke, who invited Hong to consult and killed him during the meeting. Mourning was then proclaimed and dress adopted. Ke wrote his younger brother Zhuge Rong, commander at Gong'an:

“On yiwei, the sixteenth of this month, the late emperor (Sun Quan) abandoned the many states, leaving all subjects in grief. Our father, sons, and brothers received exceptional kindness, beyond ordinary servants; sorrow tears our hearts and livers. On dingyou the crown prince assumed the imperial title, mingling grief and joy beyond knowing what to do. I received the last command to assist the young ruler. Measuring myself, I lack Marquis of Bolu (Huo Guang)'s talent yet bear Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan)'s entrusted charge, fearing to disgrace Chancellor Zhuge Liang's service to Han and diminish the late emperor (Sun Quan)'s discernment in appointing me. Countless anxieties fill me with shame and alarm. People readily resent those above and watch every movement: when is it easy? Dull as I am, I hold a guardian's position, with many difficulties, little wisdom, heavy responsibility, and shallow plans. Who will be my lips and teeth? In recent Han times the King of Yan (Liu Dan) and Gai Zhu conspired, producing the Shangguan clan's rebellion. Facing such a position, how dare I be at ease? Your territory interlocks with the enemy like canine teeth. Now put military equipment in order, encourage officers and soldiers, and maintain exceptional vigilance, considering ten thousand deaths without regard for one life, repaying the court without disgracing your ancestors. Each general guards his own district, yet enemies may hear the imperial death and raid recklessly. Frontier offices have separate instructions: subordinate commanders must not arbitrarily abandon posts to hurry here. Though grief is unbearable, public duty overrides private feeling. Boqin wore battle dress during mourning. Violation is no small fault. Correct the distant through the near: the ancients' clear warning.”

Ke was again appointed Grand Tutor. He abolished surveillance and investigative offices, forgave arrears, removed customs dues, and promoted generosity. Everyone rejoiced. Whenever he passed, commoners stretched their necks to see him.

In Huanglong's first year Quan had moved the capital to Jianye. In the second he built Dongxing's embankment to hold the lake. Later, after a failed Huainan campaign, ships were brought inside and it was abandoned without repair. In Jianxing's first year, in the tenth month, Ke assembled forces at Dongxing, rebuilt the great embankment, and connected the hills on either side with two forts. He left a thousand men in each under Quan Duan and Liu Lüe and returned. Wei felt humiliated by Wu's encroachment and ordered Hu Zun, Zhuge Dan, and others with seventy thousand to besiege the forts and destroy the embankment. Ke led forty thousand day and night to relieve them. Zun's forces built and crossed a floating bridge, formed on the embankment, and divided to attack the high, steep forts, which could not quickly fall. Ke sent Liu Zan, Lü Ju, Tang Zi, and Ding Feng as vanguard. It was cold and snowy. Wei's generals, drinking together, saw the small force without armor, spears, or halberds, wearing only helmets with swords and shields, climbing the embankment bare-bodied. They laughed instead of preparing. Once up, the troops beat drums, shouted, and slashed. Wei's army panicked and scattered toward the floating bridge. It broke, and men fell into water or trampled one another. Administrator of Le'an Huan Jia and others died, with several tens of thousands killed. Former defector Han Zong, Wei's vanguard commander, was also beheaded. Several thousand each of carriages, oxen, horses, donkeys, and mules were captured, with mountains of equipment. The army returned in order. Ke advanced to Marquis of Yangdu, additionally Governor of Jing and Yang and commander of all internal and external armies, receiving a hundred jin of gold, two hundred horses, and ten thousand bolts each of silk and cloth.

Ke consequently grew contemptuous of the enemy. Victorious in the twelfth month, he wanted another expedition the following spring.

The ministers unanimously remonstrated against repeated exhausting expeditions, but Ke refused. Grand Master of Central Ease Jiang Yan argued firmly and was carried out. Ke wrote this essay to explain his intention:

“Heaven has no two suns and earth no two kings. No ruler has ever declined to unite the realm yet transmitted his succession securely to posterity. In the Warring States, lords relied on strong armies, wide territories, and mutual rescue, thinking these sufficient for generations and beyond danger. Indulging themselves and shrinking from hardship, they let Qin grow until it annexed them. More recently Liu Jingsheng (Liu Biao) held Jing Province with a hundred thousand men and mountainous stores. He failed to compete while Cao Cao was weak, sitting as Cao grew and swallowed the Yuans. Once the north was settled, Cao brought three hundred thousand against Jing. Even the greatest wisdom could devise no plan; Biao's sons folded their arms, surrendered, and became captives. Enemy states seek to swallow each other like foes seeking mutual destruction. Nurture an enemy and disaster falls on oneself or descendants: far-reaching thought is essential. Wu Zixu said: ‘Let Yue gather people and resources ten years and train them ten more; after twenty years will Wu not become a marsh?’ Fuchai relied on strength and scorned the warning, killed Zixu, and made no preparation. At defeat regret was too late. Even smaller Yue destroyed Wu; how much more a great power! Qin once held only west of the passes yet annexed six states. The enemy now holds the nine provinces of Qin, Zhao, Han, Wei, Yan, and Qi, all homes of warhorses and reservoirs of talent. Wei's territory is several times ancient Qin's, while Wu and Shu together are not half the ancient six states <the supplied text writes 穴國 here>. We can resist only because Cao Cao's old soldiers are now nearly gone and the next generation not fully grown: this is the enemy's interval of weakness before renewed strength. Sima Yi executed Wang Ling and then died himself. His young, weak sons monopolize great responsibility, and capable men cannot yet use their abilities. Attack now at their critical juncture. Sages hasten to seize the time: precisely today. Follow ordinary desires for temporary peace, believing the Yangzi's barriers can endure for generations, ignore Wei's whole course and judge its future lightly from today—this makes me sigh. From its beginnings it has fostered population, now multiplying monthly and yearly, though still too young for service. In another ten or more years its numbers will double. Our sources of strong troops are already exhausted: only the present force can settle affairs. Leave it unused to age, and in another decade nearly half will disappear, with too few younger men to mention. If the enemy doubles and we halve, even Yi Yin and Guan Zhong could devise little. Men without distant foresight will call this far-fetched. Worrying before calamity arrives is always considered far-fetched by ordinary people. Once disaster comes they strike their foreheads, but even wisdom cannot then devise rescue. This afflicts ancient and modern ages alike. Wu called Wu Yuan (Wu Zixu) impractical and could not be saved; Liu Jingsheng (Liu Biao) failed to think ten years ahead and could not provide for his sons. I lack even an ordinary minister's talent yet bear great Wu's responsibility of Xiao He and Huo Guang. My wisdom is common and plans not far-reaching. If I do not enlarge the borders now, age will come in an instant while the enemy strengthens. Would cutting my throat to apologize help? Some say the people are poor and should rest. This considers small toil without considering the greater peril <the supplied clause is textually irregular>. Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang) already possessed the Three Qin. Why did he not close the passes and enjoy their defenses? Instead he attacked Chu, suffered wounds, and wore armor crawling with lice while exhausted generals and soldiers hated hardship. Did he love blades and forget peace? He understood that the two powers could not coexist forever. Whenever I read Jing Han urging Gongsun Shu to advance, or recently see my uncle Zhuge Liang's memorial explaining the plan to contest the enemy, I sigh deeply. These are my waking and sleeping concerns, so I set down foolish words for you gentlemen. If I die before my plans are fulfilled, let later ages know my anxieties and reflect upon them.”

Everyone considered this merely Ke's insistence on doing what he wanted, but none dared object again.

Nie You, Administrator of Danyang and Ke's old friend, wrote: “The late emperor (Sun Quan) planned the Dongguan embankment but did not carry it out. You assisted the great enterprise and completed his intention. The enemy came from afar and our officers relied on your authority and virtue, offering themselves and achieving an extraordinary victory in one day. Was this not the ancestral temple's spiritual aid and the state's blessing? Rest the troops, nourish their edge, and await an opening. To exploit the momentum for another great campaign before Heaven's time, merely following strong inclinations, troubles my heart.” Ke appended his essay and replied: “Though your principle is natural, you have not seen the larger determining forces. Study this essay and you will understand.” Defying general opinion, he levied two hundred thousand from provinces and commanderies. The people were disturbed, and he began losing their allegiance.

Ke intended to display might in Huainan and seize inhabitants. Some generals objected: “Advance deeply and frontier people will flee far away, exhausting troops for little achievement. Better besiege Xincheng. Pressed, it will receive relief, which we can attack for a great gain.” Ke agreed and turned back to besiege it. Months of attack failed. Soldiers were exhausted, and drinking water in the heat brought diarrhea and spreading swelling. More than half fell ill; dead and wounded covered the ground. Camp officers reported mounting sickness daily, but Ke called it fabrication and threatened execution. None dared speak afterward. Conscious of his mistaken plan but ashamed of failure, he showed anger openly. General Zhu Yi disputed something, and Ke immediately stripped his troops. Commandant Cai Lin repeatedly proposed plans without acceptance and rode away to Wei. Knowing the enemy tired and sick, Wei advanced relief. Ke withdrew. Wounded and ill soldiers trailed along roads, some falling into pits and ravines, others captured. Survivors remembered with pain and anger; great and small lamented, while Ke remained untroubled. He stayed a month on the riverbank, planning fields at Xunyang. Recall edicts followed one another before he slowly returned. General disappointment became resentment and reproach.

In the eighth month, autumn, he returned with troops arrayed as escort and entered his residence. He immediately summoned Director of the Secretariat Sun Mo and sternly demanded: “How dare you arbitrarily issue repeated edicts?” Terrified, Mo left and went home ill. Ke canceled all bureau appointments made during his absence and selected new magistrates, chiefs, and officials. His severity increased, punishments multiplied, and everyone approaching an audience trembled. He replaced the palace guards with intimates and again ordered preparations, intending Qing and Xu <the supplied text writes 責 for 青>.

Sun Jun exploited popular resentment and suspicion, alleging Ke intended a coup, and conspired with Liang to invite him to a wine banquet. The night before, Ke's spirit was disturbed and he could not sleep. Washing next morning, he smelled blood in the water; the clothes handed him also stank. He changed both, but the smell remained. Uneasy, he finished dressing and went out. His dog caught his clothes. “Does the dog not want me to go?” He sat again, then rose; it caught him again. He ordered attendants to drive it away and mounted his carriage.

Before Ke's Huainan expedition, a man in filial mourning dress entered his chamber. Reported and questioned, he said: “I entered without realizing.” Neither inner nor outer guards had seen him. Everyone marveled. After departure the audience hall's roof beam broke in the middle. Leaving Xincheng for Dongxing, Ke saw a white rainbow at his ship; returning to worship at Jiangling (蔣陵), another encircled his carriage. Now, as he stopped at the palace gate, Jun had troops hidden behind curtains. Fearing delay and disclosure, he came out: “If Your Excellency is unwell, you may wait. I shall explain to the ruler.” He meant to test Ke's awareness. Ke answered: “I shall force myself to enter.” Cavalier Regular Attendants Zhang Yue, Zhu En, and others secretly wrote: “Today's arrangements are unusual; we suspect something else.” Reading it, Ke left. Before passing the outer gate he met Minister of Ceremonies Teng Yin and said: “Sudden stomach pain prevents my entering.” Unaware of Jun's plot, Yin said: “You have not seen the ruler since returning. He invites you to drink and you have reached the gate. Make the effort.” Hesitating, Ke turned back, entering the hall with sword and shoes. He thanked Liang and sat. Offered wine, he hesitated suspiciously. Jun said: “Your illness is not fully cured. You must have medicinal wine you ordinarily take; fetch it yourself.” Reassured, Ke drank separately from his own supply.

After several rounds Liang returned inside. Jun rose as if to the privy, removed his long robe, put on short clothing, and emerged: “An edict orders Zhuge Ke's arrest!”

Ke sprang up in alarm but before drawing his sword met Jun's descending blade. Zhang Yue struck Jun from the side, slightly wounding his left hand. Jun immediately cut off Yue's right arm. Martial Guards rushed into the hall. Jun said: “Ke was the target. He is already dead.” He ordered all blades sheathed, cleared the floor, and resumed drinking.

Earlier a children's rhyme said: “Zhuge Ke, reeds for a single robe, bamboo strips for a belt. Where shall we seek you? At Chengzi Pavilion.” Chengzi Pavilion was a reversed-sound expression for Shizigang. On Jianye's southern side lay a long ridge called Shizigang, used for burials. Gouluo meant an ornamented leather belt, commonly called a gouluo belt. Ke's body was indeed wrapped in a reed mat, bound at the waist with bamboo strips, and thrown on this ridge.

Ke's eldest son Zhuge Chuo, Cavalry Commandant, was implicated in King of Lu (Sun Ba)'s affairs. Quan sent him to Ke for further instruction; Ke poisoned him. The middle son Zhuge Song (竦; written 辣 earlier in this passage) was Colonel of the Long River, the youngest Zhuge Jian Colonel of Infantry. Hearing of Ke's execution, they loaded their mother into a carriage and fled. Jun sent Cavalry Commander Cheng after them, who beheaded Song at Baidu. Jian crossed the Yangzi and traveled several thousand li toward Wei before pursuers caught him. Ke's sister's son Zhang Zhen, Marquis of Duxiang, Regular Attendant Zhu En, and others were exterminated with their three sets of relatives.

Song had repeatedly remonstrated with Ke without success and constantly feared disaster. After Ke died, Zang Jun of Linhuai petitioned for his burial:

“Thunder and lightning do not rage all morning; a great wind's destructive force has its limit. Clouds and rain follow to nourish things. Heaven and Earth's wrath does not persist through days and cycles; an emperor's anger should not exhaust every feeling and intention. Foolishly unaware of taboos, I risk destruction in hopes of such wind and rain's meeting. Former Grand Tutor Zhuge Ke inherited his forefathers' distinguished influence. His uncles, amid Han's end and the realm's tripartite division, entrusted themselves to three sides, each loyal and diligent, glorifying the family. Ke grew up in the royal state under sacred transformation, gained heroic fame, and served for decades. Before harmful intentions emerged, the late emperor (Sun Quan) entrusted him with Yi Yin's and Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan)'s responsibility and all affairs. But stubborn and self-exalting, he oppressed others, failed to guard sacred authority and calm the realm, launched three campaigns in less than a year, exhausted soldiers, people, and treasuries, monopolized law, changed and abolished at will, and intimidated all through punishments. The Palace Attendant, General of the Martial Guards, and Marquis of Duxiang (Sun Jun), likewise entrusted by the late emperor (Sun Quan), saw growing wickedness threatening the universe and state. His righteous anger reached Heaven; his planning preceded spirits, his courage surpassed Jing Ke and Nie Zheng a hundredfold. Wielding his own blade, he beheaded Ke in the hall, surpassing the figure abbreviated as Zhu and Marquis of Dongmou (Liu Xingju) in merit <the supplied comparison with 朱 is abbreviated and not expanded here>. The state's principal affliction vanished in one morning. Its head was displayed; six armies rejoiced, sun and moon brightened, and wind and dust rested. Ancestral spirits, Heaven, and men agreed. Now Ke's and his sons' three heads have hung in the market for days. Tens of thousands have seen them, insults rising like wind. The state's great punishment has awed everyone, old and young alike. Yet human feeling turns from extreme pleasure to sorrow. Seeing Ke, formerly unmatched in distinction and long a chief minister, now exterminated like an animal, can spectators fail to feel distress after looking? The dead share earth's domain; digging and stabbing add nothing. Model your anger on Heaven and Earth, not extending beyond ten days. Let his native people or former officers collect him in a common soldier's clothes and a coffin three cun thick. Xiang Ji received burial and Han Xin the gathering of his remains: such was Emperor Gaozu (Liu Bang)'s divine reputation. Display the Three Sovereigns' humanity and pity, extending grace to condemned bones and further endless kindness. Would this not spread your fame afar and encourage and restrain the realm? Luan Bu once violated orders concerning Peng Yue. I regret that he did not first petition the ruler, but pursued his own name and feelings. Escaping execution was truly luck. I dare not publicly proclaim my foolish feelings to reveal Heaven's grace, but privately submit this handwritten appeal for sacred pity and examination.”

Liang and Jun allowed Ke's former officials to collect and bury him, and they sought his body at Shizigang.

When Ke returned from the failed campaign, Nie You foresaw his ruin and wrote Teng Yin: “When a man is powerful, rivers and mountains can be uprooted. Once he weakens, people's feelings turn in countless ways. Speaking of it brings sorrow.” After Ke's execution Sun Jun resented You and intended to make him Administrator of Yulin. You fell ill and died of anxiety. His courtesy name was Wenti and he came from Yuzhang.

Teng Yin, courtesy name Chengsi, was from Ju in Beihai. His uncle Teng Dan and father Teng Zhou had longstanding family ties with their provincial countryman Liu Yao and crossed the Yangzi to join him during disorder. As General of Chariots and Cavalry, Sun Quan made Dan Right Major. Renowned for generosity, Dan died early without an heir. Zhou wrote well, was treated by Quan as an honored guest, and regularly revised and polished military and state documents. He too died young. On becoming King of Wu (Sun Quan), Quan remembered past kindness and made Yin Marquis of Duting. Yin showed integrity from youth and had handsome bearing.

At about twenty he married a princess. At thirty he began office as Administrator of Danyang, then transferred to Wu and Kuaiji, gaining praise everywhere.

In Taiyuan's first year Quan fell ill. Yin came to the capital and was retained as Minister of Ceremonies, receiving the last command with Zhuge Ke and others to assist government. Sun Liang's accession brought the additional post of General of the Guards.

Ke intended to mobilize all troops against Wei. Yin remonstrated: “At the succession amid mourning you received Yi Yin's and Huo Guang's charge, secured the court within and crushed a powerful enemy without. Your fame shook all within the seas, and everyone hopes to rest under you. Now, after exhausting labor, you launch another expedition. People are tired, resources depleted, and the distant enemy prepared. Failure to take cities or capture people in the fields would lose earlier merit and invite new blame. Rest armor and armies and await an opening. Warfare is great business accomplished through the multitude. If they are unhappy, how can you alone be content?” Ke said: “All who object lack calculation and desire comfortable ease. If you agree with them, what can I hope? Cao Fang is benighted and weak <the supplied text writes 曹勞>, and government lies in private hands. His subjects are alienated. With our state's resources and victory's prestige, where could I fail?” Yin became Commander of the Capital, managing affairs left behind. He received guests by day and examined documents by night, sometimes without sleeping until dawn.

Sun Jun, courtesy name Ziyuan, was the great-grandson of Sun Jian's younger brother Sun Jing. Jing fathered Sun Gao, Gao fathered Sun Gong, a Cavalier Attendant Gentleman, and Gong fathered Jun. Skilled with bow and horse from youth, Jun was vigorous, courageous, and decisive. Late under Sun Quan he became Commandant of the Martial Guards and Palace Attendant. At Quan's death he received the last command to assist government, concurrently General of the Martial Guards, retaining the palace guards and the marquisate of Duxiang. After killing Zhuge Ke he became Chancellor and General-in-Chief, commander of all internal and external armies, with a tally, advancing to Marquis of Fuchun. Teng Yin, father-in-law of Ke's son Song, offered resignation. Jun said: “Gun's guilt did not implicate Yu. Why should Marquis Teng (Teng Yin) resign?” Though inwardly unfriendly, they outwardly tolerated each other. Yin advanced to Marquis of Gaomi and continued his duties.

Jun had no established great reputation. Arrogant and malicious, he imposed many executions, provoking public outcry. He also violated palace women and had a secret affair with Princess Sun Luban. In Wufeng's first year Marquis of Wu (Sun Ying) plotted to kill him; the plot leaked and Ying died.

In the second year Wei's Guanqiu Jian and Wen Qin rebelled and fought Wei at Lejia. Jun led General of Agile Cavalry Lü Ju and General of the Left Liu Zan to raid Shouchun. Qin was defeated and surrendered, and the army returned.

That year Shu envoys came. General Sun Yi (孫儀) and others <the supplied sequence 孫邵綝恂 is irregular> planned to kill Jun at the gathering. Discovered, Yi and the others killed themselves. Several dozen died, including Princess Sun Luyu.

Jun wanted to fortify Guangling. Courtiers knew it impracticable but feared to speak. Teng Yin alone objected. Jun refused, but the work ultimately failed. Next year Wen Qin urged an invasion of Wei. Jun sent Qin, Lü Ju, General of Chariots and Cavalry Liu Zuan, General Who Guards the South Zhu Yi, and General of the Front Tang Zi from Jiangdu into the Huai and Si toward Qing and Xu. Jun and Yin went to Shitou to see them off. Jun entered Ju's camp with about a hundred attendants. Its strict order displeased him; he claimed heart pain and left. Dreaming that Zhuge Ke attacked him, he fell ill with fear and died aged thirty-eight, leaving affairs to Sun Chen.

Sun Chen, courtesy name Zitong, shared Jun's grandfather. His father Sun Chuo was Commandant Who Pacifies the People. Chen began as Lieutenant General. On Jun's death he became Palace Attendant and General of the Martial Guards, commanding all internal and external armies and replacing him in government. Lü Ju was greatly alarmed. With the other commanders he jointly recommended Teng Yin as chancellor. Chen instead made Yin Grand Marshal, replacing Lü Dai at Wuchang. Ju returned with troops and told Yin he wanted to depose Chen together. Chen sent his elder cousin Sun Lü with troops against Ju at Jiangdu and palace envoys ordering Wen Qin, Liu Zuan, and Tang Zi to attack him together. Palace Attendant and General of the Left Hua Rong and Deputy Director of the Secretariat Ding Yan were sent to tell Yin to seize Ju and depart quickly. Fearing disaster, Yin detained them, gathered troops in self-defense, summoned Army Commander Yang Chong and General Sun Zi, and declared Chen in rebellion. He forced Rong and the others to write challenging Chen. Chen refused, memorialized that Yin had rebelled, and promised General Liu Cheng titles to attack and besiege him swiftly with infantry and cavalry. Yin also forced Rong and the others to issue forged troop-mobilization edicts. They refused, and he killed them.

Yin's expression did not change; he conversed and laughed as usual. Someone advised taking troops to Canglong Gate: “Seeing you emerge, all soldiers will leave Chen for you.” It was past midnight. Yin relied on his agreement with Ju and also hesitated to advance on the palace <the supplied text writes 富>. He ordered his men to wait, saying Marquis Lü (Lü Ju) was near. All fought to the death for Yin, none dispersing. A great wind blew. By dawn Ju had not arrived. Chen's forces massed and killed Yin with several dozen officers and soldiers, exterminating his three sets of relatives.

Chen became General-in-Chief with a tally and Marquis of Yongning. Relying on high rank, he grew arrogant and committed many improprieties. Jun's younger cousin Sun Lü had helped plan Zhuge Ke's death and received generous treatment, reaching General of the Right and commander of the Troops without Difficulty, with tally and canopy, supervising the Nine Ministries. Chen treated him less well than Jun. Angry, Lü conspired with General Wang Dun to kill him. Chen killed Dun, and Lü took poison.

Wei's General-in-Chief Zhuge Dan rebelled at Shouchun, holding the city and seeking surrender to Wu. Wu sent Wen Qin, Tang Zi, Quan Duan, Quan Yi, and others with thirty thousand. Wei's General Who Guards the South Wang Ji enclosed Dan, but Qin and the others broke into the city. Wei sent over two hundred thousand internal and external troops to reinforce the siege. Zhu Yi held Anfeng with thirty thousand to support Qin. Inspector of Yan Province Zhou Tai opposed him at Yangyuan, defeated and pursued him, killing or wounding two thousand. Chen mobilized a great force at Huoli and again sent Yi, Ding Feng, Li Fei, and others with fifty thousand against Wei, leaving baggage at Dulu. Yi camped at Lijiang and sent Ren Du, Zhang Zhen, and others with six thousand volunteers across a floating bridge six li west by night to build a crescent-shaped rampart. Wei's Army Supervisor Shi Bao and Zhou Tai defeated them, forcing retreat to high ground. Yi again formed a wagon enclosure toward Wumu Fort. Bao and Tai defeated him, while Hu Lie, Administrator of Taishan, took five thousand along a hidden route against Dulu and burned all his supplies. Chen gave Yi thirty thousand more and ordered a fight to the death. Yi refused. Chen beheaded him at Huoli and sent his brother En to relieve Dan. Dan was defeated and they withdrew. Unable to save him, Chen had lost troops and killed a famous general: everyone resented him.

Sun Liang began governing personally and repeatedly challenged Chen, who grew afraid. Returning to Jianye, he pleaded illness and stayed from court. He built a residence south of Zhuque Bridge, stationed his younger brother Sun Ju, General Who Awes the Distant, in Canglong's palace guard, and placed his brothers Sun En, General of the Martial Guards, Sun Gan, Lieutenant General, and Sun Kai, Colonel of the Long River, over separate camps, monopolizing power for security. Liang privately distrusted him and investigated Sun Luyu's killing. He angrily blamed Zhu Xiong, commander at Hulin, and Xiong's younger brother Zhu Sun, Outer Divisional Commander, for failing to correct Sun Jun, ordering Ding Feng to kill Xiong at Hulin and Sun at Jianye. Chen remonstrated without success. Liang then conferred with Princess Sun Luban, Minister of Ceremonies Quan Shang, and General Liu Cheng to execute Chen. Liang's consort, daughter of Chen's elder female cousin, told Chen the plan. Chen led troops against Quan Shang at night, sent En to kill Cheng outside Canglong Gate, and surrounded the palace.

Chen sent Minister of Splendid Happiness Meng Zong to announce Liang's deposition at the ancestral temple and told the assembled officials: “The young emperor is diseased, benighted, and disordered, unfit for the great position or ancestral charge. I have informed the late emperor (Sun Quan) and deposed him. Anyone differing should submit an objection.” All trembled: “We obey the general.” Chen sent Secretariat Gentleman Li Chong to seize Liang's seal and ribbon and circulated his alleged crimes. Master of Writing Huan Yi refused to sign. Chen angrily killed him.

Army Commander Shi Zheng advised Chen to summon and install King of Langye (Sun Xiu) <a royal fief title>. Chen agreed, sending Minister of the Imperial Clan Sun Kai with this letter:

“With slight talent I received great responsibility but failed to guide His Majesty. Recently he has undertaken many projects, grown close to Liu Cheng, and delighted in beauties. He levies officials' and commoners' women, selects the attractive for the palace, and takes over three thousand soldiers' younger brothers under eighteen to drill in the park day and night, provoking lamentation. More than five thousand stored spears and halberds were damaged for play. Zhu Ju served the late emperor (Sun Quan); his sons Xiong and Sun inherited his foundations and stood in loyal counsel. The earlier killing of the younger princess Sun Luyu originated with the elder princess Sun Luban, yet the emperor did not examine its course and killed Xiong and Sun, ignoring remonstrance. All below him tremble. He has made over three hundred miniature boats in the palace, finished in gold and silver, craftsmen working without rest. Minister of Ceremonies Quan Shang received generations of kindness but could not control his relatives; Quan Duan and others abandoned their city for Wei. Shang's rank is excessive, yet he never remonstrates, instead communicating with enemies and transmitting national news. Fearing destruction of the state and examining precedents, we find the succession falls to Your Highness. On the twenty-seventh of this month I seized Shang and beheaded Cheng, made the emperor King of Kuaiji (Sun Liang), and sent Kai respectfully to welcome you. All officials wait eagerly beside the road.”

Chen sent General Sun Dan to escort Liang to his fief, exiled Shang to Lingling, and moved the princess to Yuzhang. Increasingly excessive, he insulted humans and spirits, burned Wu Zixu's temple at the great bridgehead, destroyed a Buddhist shrine, and beheaded its religious practitioners. On Xiu's accession he styled himself a subject in the wilderness and memorialized: “I examine myself: my talent is unfit to direct a state. Through intimate kinship I reached the highest ministerial position, damaging brocade and ruining the carriage, my guilt manifest. Reflecting on failures, I fear day and night. Heaven's mandate aids the sincere and goes to virtue. Thus Kings You (Ji Gongsheng) and Li (Ji Hu) lost measure, followed by the restoration designated here as 閡宣 <the first graph and its reference are uncertain>. Your Majesty's sacred virtue inherits the great succession and needs fine assistants for harmony. Even Yao's greatness sought Ji and Xie to complete enlightened virtue. The ancients said: ‘Take office according to strength; if unable, stop.’ Though exerting myself, I benefit no affairs. I present seals, ribbons, tally, and axe, returning to the fields to clear the worthy men's path.” Xiu received and consoled him, issuing an edict: “With scant virtue I held an outer fief. At this juncture the ministers and officers raised me to serve the ancestral temple. I tremble as over deep water and thin ice. The general-in-chief conceived loyal plans, saved danger, righted collapse, and secured the state with splendid merit. When Emperor Xiaoxuan (Liu Xun) of Han succeeded, Huo Guang received exalted honor. Rewarding virtue and achievement is common to past and present. Make the general-in-chief Chancellor and Governor of Jing Province, with five counties as fief.” En became Censor-in-Chief and General of the Guards, Ju General of the Right, both county marquises. Gan became a general with a miscellaneous title and village marquis; Kai too received a village marquisate. Five marquises in Chen's household all held palace troops. Their power overshadowed the ruler, unprecedented among Wu's courtiers.

Chen brought oxen and wine to Xiu, who refused them. He took them to General of the Left Zhang Bu. Drunk, he complained: “When I deposed the young ruler many urged me to take power myself. I welcomed His Majesty because he was worthy. Without me he would not reign. Now my gift is rejected, treating me like an ordinary minister. I must change my plans.” Bu reported it, and Xiu harbored resentment. Fearing a coup, he repeatedly rewarded Chen and additionally made En Palace Attendant to share document review. When someone accused Chen of resentment, contempt, and rebellion, Xiu handed the informer to Chen, who killed him. Increasingly afraid, Chen asked through Meng Zong to station at Wuchang. Xiu agreed and ordered his more than ten thousand picked central troops to embark, supplying all weapons requested from the arsenal.

General Wei Miao warned Xiu that Chen outside would certainly rebel; Martial Guards soldier Shi Shuo reported evidence of the same. Xiu secretly consulted Zhang Bu, who planned with Ding Feng to kill Chen at a gathering.

In Yong'an's first year, in the twelfth month, on dingmao, Jianye rumors said tomorrow's gathering would bring a coup. Chen heard with displeasure. That night a great wind uprooted trees and lifted sand, increasing his fear. On wuchen, the year-end banquet, he pleaded illness, but Xiu repeatedly summoned him with more than ten groups of messengers. Forced to go, he was restrained by followers. He said: “The state repeatedly commands; I cannot refuse. Prepare troops and set headquarters on fire so I can quickly return.” He entered; soon the fire arose. When he asked to leave, Xiu said: “There are plenty of troops outside; the chancellor need not trouble himself.” Chen rose, and Feng and Bu signaled attendants to bind him. He knocked his head: “Let me be exiled to Jiao Province.” Xiu said: “Why did you not exile Teng Yin and Lü Ju?” He begged to become an official slave. “Why did you not make Yin and Ju slaves?” Xiu answered, then beheaded him. His head was shown to his troops: “All fellow conspirators are pardoned.” Five thousand laid down arms. Kai tried to flee north by boat and was pursued and killed. The three sets of relatives were exterminated. Sun Jun's coffin was opened, his seal and ribbon taken, and its wood destroyed before his body was buried, for his killing of Sun Luyu and others <the supplied wording 綝其木 is uncertain>.

Chen died aged twenty-eight. Ashamed of sharing their clan, Xiu specially removed Jun and Chen from the register, calling them “the former Jun” and “the former Chen.” He also decreed: “Zhuge Ke, Teng Yin, and Lü Ju were innocent victims of Jun and Chen, painfully murdered. Quickly rebury and sacrifice to them, and recall everyone exiled in their cases.”

Puyang Xing, courtesy name Ziyuan, was from Chenliu. His father Puyang Yi fled disorder to Jiangdong at Han's end and reached Administrator of Changsha.

Xing gained a gentleman's reputation in youth. Under Sun Quan he became Magistrate of Shangyu, gradually reaching the Left Bureau of the Masters of Writing. As Gentleman-General of the Five Offices he went to Shu, returning as Administrator of Kuaiji. King of Langye (Sun Xiu) then lived there, and Xing formed close ties with him. On Xiu's accession Xing was summoned as Minister of Ceremonies and General of the Guards, supervising military and state affairs, and made Marquis of Waihuang.

In Yong'an's third year Commandant Yan Mi proposed lake fields in Danyang and Puli Embankment. At the ordered debate all officials thought the labor great and the fields' success uncertain; only Xing thought it feasible. Soldiers and commoners were assembled for construction at incalculable cost. Soldiers died or killed themselves, and the people deeply resented it. Xing became Chancellor and cooperated with Xiu's favorite, General of the Left Zhang Bu, disappointing the state. In the seventh year, in the seventh month, Xiu died. Director of the Left Army Wan Yu, long friendly with Marquis of Wucheng (Sun Hao), persuaded Xing and Bu to set aside Xiu's principal son and welcome Hao. On accession Hao additionally made Xing Palace Attendant and nominal Governor of Qing Province. Soon Yu accused Xing and Bu of regretting their choice. On the first day of the eleventh month <a supplied variant reads “year”>, they attended court. Hao arrested them and exiled them to Guang Province, then sent pursuers to kill them on the road and exterminated their three sets of relatives.

Appraisal: Zhuge Ke's talent, spirit, practical ability, and strategy were praised by his countrymen. Yet with pride and stinginess, even Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan)'s virtues would not deserve regard: how much more Ke! Exalting himself and oppressing others, how could he avoid defeat? Had he practiced the principles in his letters to Lu Xun and his brother Rong, regret would not have come. What extraordinary disaster need he have faced? Teng Yin cultivated a gentleman's integrity and followed proper standards, yet preserving distinction under Sun Jun carried inevitable danger. Jun and Chen were overflowing, vicious villains unworthy of discussion. Puyang Xing held the chief minister's place but failed to plan for the state, joining Zhang Bu's wickedness and accepting Wan Yu's persuasion. His extermination was fitting.