(Last updated 2022 June 27)

Zhūgě Jǐn appellation Zǐyú was a Lángyé Yángdū man. (1)

諸葛瑾字子瑜，琅邪陽都人也。〔一〕

• (1) Wúshū states: Previously the Gě clan was originally people from Zhū county of Lángyé, and later moved to Yángdū. In Yángdū there were already those surnamed Gě, so the people of the time called them the Zhū Gě, and because of this it became their clan name [Zhūgě]. When young, Jǐn traveled to the capital, and studied the Máo [edition] Shī, Shàngshū, and Zuǒshì Chūnqiū. When his mother passed he observed full filial mourning, and afterward respected his stepmother sincerely, deeply obtaining the way to be a son.
• Fēngsútōng states: Gě Yīng was General Crossing Battle-lines, had merits but was put to death. [Hàn] Xiào-Wén-dì recorded this, and gave fief to his grandson as Marquis of Zhū county, and because of this the two together became the clan name [Zhūgě]
• This is different from what is said in Wúshū.

〔一〕　吳書曰：其先葛氏，本琅邪諸縣人，後徙陽都。陽都先有姓葛者，時人謂之諸葛，因以為氏。瑾少游京師，治毛詩、尚書、左氏春秋。遭母憂，居喪至孝，事繼母恭謹，甚得人子之道。風俗通曰：葛嬰為陳涉將軍，有功而誅，孝文帝追錄，封其孫諸縣侯，因并氏焉。此與吳書所說不同。

At the end of Hàn he fled from the chaos to Jiāngdōng. When Sūn Cè died, Sūn Quán‘s elder sister’s husband Hóng Zī of Qū’ē met and was impressed with him [Zhūgě Jǐn], and recommended him to Quán, and with Lǔ Sù and the rest together were treated as guests. Later he became Quán’s Chief Clerk, then was transferred to Internal Major. Jiàn’ān twentieth year [215], Quán sent Jǐn as envoy to Shǔ to restore alliance with Liú Bèi, with his younger brother Liàng mutually meeting, in withdrawing never privately facing.

漢末避亂江東。值孫策卒，孫權姊婿曲阿弘咨見而異之，薦之於權，與魯肅等並見賓待，後為權長史，轉中司馬。建安二十年，權遣瑾使蜀通好劉備，與其弟亮俱公會相見，退無私面。

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When he with Quán spoke or remonstrated, he never once was blunt, only slightly describing and vaguely pointing out his intention. If they could not agree, he would abandon the subject and move to something else, and then gradually return to the previous matter and try again, using a similar situation to persuade, and so Quán’s ideas would gradually be resolved.

與權談說諫喻，未嘗切愕，微見風彩，粗陳指歸，如有未合，則捨而及他，徐復託事造端，以物類相求，於是權意往往而釋。

Administrator of Wú, Zhū Zhì, was the officer who had nominated Quán for office. Quán often had criticisms for him, but usually honored him and so found it difficult to personally criticize him, so he was angry without end. Jǐn guessed the reason, but did not dare reveal it publicly and so he asked to meet privately, and then in front of Quán he wrote a letter discussing physical principles, and so with his own feelings he circuitously hinted at the situation. When he finished and submitted it to Quán, Quán was pleased and laughed and said: “My thoughts have been resolved. The virtue of Yán [Yuān] was to love others well. Is this what that means?”

吳郡太守朱治，權舉將也，權曾有以望之，而素加敬，難自詰讓，忿忿不解。瑾揣知其故，而不敢顯陳，乃乞以意私自問，遂於權前為書，泛論物理，因以己心遙往忖度之。畢，以呈權，權喜，笑曰：「孤意解矣。顏氏之德，使人加親，豈謂此邪？」

Quán also disliked Colonel Yīn Mó and seized on a crime to condemn him. All the ministers down spoke on his behalf, and Quán was extremely angry and argued with those who disagreed. Only Jǐn remained silent. Quán said: “Zǐyú, why do you alone not speak?”

權又怪校尉殷模，罪至不測。群下多為之言，權怒益甚，與相反覆，惟瑾默然，權曰：「子瑜何獨不言？」

Jǐn left his mat and said: “I Jǐn and Yīn Mó and the rest all lost our homelands and our peoples. We abandoned the tombs of our ancestors, carrying our old and young through grass and weeds to submit to an enlightened leader, traveling as exiles, seeking fortune out of confused mists. We failed to sternly control one another and could not repay even the smallest fraction of your generosity. Now Mó has failed to deserve your grace, and this is my fault. It is too late for me to apologize for my mistakes, and so I honestly do not dare speak.”

瑾避席曰：「瑾與殷模等遭本州傾覆，生類殄盡。棄墳墓，攜老弱，披草萊，歸聖化，在流隸之中，蒙生成之福，不能躬相督厲，陳答萬一，至令模孤負恩惠，自陷罪戾。臣謝過不暇，誠不敢有言。」

Quán heard this and was sorrowful, and so said: “For your sake sir I shall pardon him.”

權聞之愴然，乃曰：「特為君赦之。」

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Later he followed in attacking Guān Yǔ [219], was given fief as Marquis of Xuānchéng, and as General Soothing the South he succeeded Lǚ Méng as Administrator of Nán-jùn, residing at Gōng’ān. Liú Bèi went east to attack Wú [221]. The King of Wú [Sūn Quán] asked for peace, and Jǐn wrote to Bèi: “I have abruptly heard you have come with banners and drums to Báidì, and am concerned that your advisers will believe that because the King of Wú has obtained this province and harmed Guān Yǔ so that your blame and anger are exceedingly great, it is not appropriate to discuss peace. This is to use the emotions of a petty man, and not consider the greater situation. I shall try to explain for Your Majesty the light from severe and the great from the small. If Your Majesty restrains your power and controls your anger and heed my words, then everything can be settled, and there will be no need to consult with other officials. How does Your Majesty’s relation to Guān Yǔ compare to your relation with the Former Emperor [Xiān-dì Liú Xiè]? How does the importance of Jīngzhōu compare with that of the whole land Within the Seas? If you give into your anger, who will carry on the succession [of Hàn]? If you consider these points, it is as easy as turning a hand [in deciding for peace].” (1)

後從討關羽，封宣城侯，以綏南將軍代呂蒙領南郡太守，住公安。劉備東伐吳，吳王求和，瑾與備牋曰：「奄聞旗鼓來至白帝，或恐議臣以吳王侵取此州，危害關羽，怨深禍大，不宜答和，此用心於小，未留意於大者也。試為陛下論其輕重，及其大小。陛下若抑威損忿，蹔省瑾言者，計可立決，不復咨之於群后也。陛下以關羽之親何如先帝？荊州大小孰與海內？俱應仇疾，誰當先後？若審此數，易於反掌。」〔一〕

• (1) Your Servant Sōngzhī says: I believe Lord Liú used Yōng-Shǔ as his passes and river [heartlands], Jīng-Chǔ as his flank assistance, Guān Yǔ raised troops about the Miǎn and Hàn, intending to ascend up the state, and though in rectifying the ruler to establish hegemony the achievement could not be certain, it needed to use a great sound to shake the distant, and had its reasoning. Sūn Quán secretly had disastrous heart and assisted Wèi in removing a danger, and so the example of Jiǎn Zōngzǐ rescuing his King, the cause for Excellency Cáo to plan to move the capital, the scheme to restore Hàn, came close to success only to be thwarted. Where the righteous banners directed, It was appropriate that it was toward the Sūn. Jǐn in using great righteousness to reproach Bèi, in answering him what worry was there of having nothing to say? Moreover Bèi and Yǔ in there mutual closeness, were like four limbs, his legs and arms unexpectedly lost, his fury and resentment was already very deep, how could a flowery letter stop him? To record this in the chapter is truly a wasteful inclusion of prose.

〔一〕　臣松之云：以為劉后以庸蜀為關河，荊楚為維翰，關羽揚兵沔、漢，志陵上國，雖匡主定霸，功未可必，要為威聲遠震，有其經略。孫權潛包禍心，助魏除害，是為翦宗子勤王之師，行曹公移都之計，拯漢之規，於茲而止。義旗所指，宜其在孫氏矣。瑾以大義責備，答之何患無辭；且備、羽相與，有若四體，股肱橫虧，憤痛已深，豈此奢闊之書所能迴駐哉！載之於篇，實為辭章之費。

At the time someone said Jǐn had sent a separate personal messenger to communicate with Bèi. Quán said: “I and Zǐyú are sworn to ever stand together in life or death. Zǐyú will never turn from me, just as I will never turn from Zǐyú.” (2)

時或言瑾別遣親人與備相聞，權曰：「孤與子瑜有死生不易之誓，子瑜之不負孤，猶孤之不負子瑜也。」〔二〕

• (2) Jiāngbiǎozhuàn states: When Jǐn was at Nán-jùn, there were men who secretly slandered Jǐn. These words spread as rumors outside, and Lù Xùn memorialized to defend Jǐn [against the accusations] and say that he was not like that, and that such thoughts [of suspecting Jǐn] should be dispersed. Quán replied: “Zǐyú and I have been together for many years, and I treat him like my own flesh and bones [own relative]. We each deeply understand the other. He is not a man to act contrary to principle or speak against righteousness. When Xuándé [Liú Bèi] previously sent Kǒngmíng [Zhūgě Liàng] to Wú, I once said to Zǐyú: ‘You and Kǒngmíng were born of the same womb, and moreover a younger brother follows the elder. This is obedience to righteousness. Why not keep Kǒngmíng here? If Kǒngmíng is willing to follow you, then I will write a letter to explain things to Xuándé. He can follow anyone of his own choosing and that is all.’ Zǐyú replied to me: ‘My younger brother Liàng has devoted himself to someone, will not change from what he has decided, and will not have second thoughts. My younger brother will not stay, just as I would not leave.’ These words are enough to move spirits. Now how can things be like this [as rumored]? All these previous absurd written accusations I have received I showed to Zǐyú and with my own hand wrote to Zǐyú, and have received his reply, discussing the major principles of the relationship between master and servant in the world that never changes. I and Zǐyú can be said to be spiritually connected, and cannot be separated by outside words. I know your intention, and have gathered the memorial that has arrived and shown it to Zǐyú, so that he too can know your intentions.”

〔二〕　江表傳曰：瑾之在南郡，人有密讒瑾者。此語頗流聞於外，陸遜表保明瑾無此，宜以散其意。權報曰：「子瑜與孤從事積年，恩如骨肉，深相明究，其為人非道不行，非義不言。玄德昔遣孔明至吳，孤嘗語子瑜曰：『卿與孔明同產，且弟隨兄，於義為順，何以不留孔明？孔明若留從卿者，孤當以書解玄德，意自隨人耳。』子瑜答孤言：『弟亮以失身於人，委質定分，義無二心。弟之不留，猶瑾之不往也。』其言足貫神明。今豈當有此乎？孤前得妄語文疏，即封示子瑜，并手筆與子瑜，即得其報，論天下君臣大節，一定之分。孤與子瑜，可謂神交，非外言所閒也。知卿意至，輒封來表，以示子瑜，使知卿意。」

Huángwǔ Inaugural Year [222] he was promoted to General of the Left, commanding Gōng’ān, with Acting Staff of Authority, and given fief as Marquis of Wǎnlíng. (3)

黃武元年，遷左將軍，督公安，假節，封宛陵侯。〔三〕

• Wúlù states: Cáo Zhēn, Xiàhóu Shàng, and others besieged Zhū Rán at Jiānglíng, and also sent a division to occupy the central islets [in the River]. Jǐn led a large army to the rescue. Jǐn by nature was liberal and slow, relied on reason and planning, without techniques for answering sudden changes, [so] the fighting was for a long time unresolved. Quán because of this was critical of him. When the spring floods came, Pān Zhāng and others built river fortifications to the upstream, and Jǐn advanced to attack the pontoon bridges. Zhēn and the others retreated. Though there was no great merit, preserving the army and protecting the borders was also an achievement.

〔三〕　吳錄曰：曹真、夏侯尚等圍朱然於江陵，又分據中州，瑾以大兵為之救援。瑾性弘緩，推道理，任計畫，無應卒倚伏之術，兵久不解，權以此望之。及春水生，潘璋等作水城於上流，瑾進攻浮橋，真等退走。雖無大勳，亦以全師保境為功。

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Yú Fān was banished for his reckless speech. Only Jǐn spoke on his behalf. Fān wrote a letter to a relative: “Zhūgě is kindhearted and benevolent, and follows Heaven in saving the lives of others. Recently I was indebted to his honest talk that saved and protected me. My accumulated crimes are deep and so I met with thundering punishment. Even if I had the Elder Qí to rescue me, my virtue is not that of Yángshé. It is difficult to hope for a resolution.”

虞翻以狂直流徙，惟瑾屢為之說。翻與所親書曰：「諸葛敦仁，則天活物，比蒙清論，有以保分。惡積罪深，見忌殷重，雖有祁老之救，德無羊舌，解釋難冀也。」

Jǐn was generous and thoughtful of others, and at the time all admired his greatness and elegance. Quán also greatly valued him, and consulted him on important affairs. He once consulted Jǐn and said:

瑾為人有容貌思度，于時服其弘雅。權亦重之，大事咨訪。又別咨瑾曰：

“Recently I received [Lù Xùn] Bóyán’s memorial that Cáo Pī has already died, so the people suffering [in the north] when they look upon our banners will collapse, but for now there will be peace and calm. I have heard [that the new Emperor] always chooses out and employs the loyal and able, is lenient in punishments, confers favor and kindness, lightens taxes and reduces conscription, in order to please the people, and so we are in graver danger than in the time of [Cáo] Cāo. I believe this is incorrect.

「近得伯言表，以為曹丕已死，毒亂之民，當望旌瓦解，而更靜然。聞皆選用忠良，寬刑罰，布恩惠，薄賦省役，以悅民心，其患更深於操時。孤以為不然。

Considering Cāo’s conduct, his killing and destruction of the weak was his only fault, and his difference from others and his kin was only his ruthlessness and that is all. In regards to his governance and leadership, since times immemorial there have been few [to match him]. Pī in comparison to Cāo falls uncountably short. Now Ruì cannot compare to Pī, just as Pī cannot compare to Cāo. That he esteems giving out small favors is certainly because his father has died and he knows he is weak, and afraid that the suffering people shall one morning rise up and destroy him. Therefore he reluctantly humbles himself to beg for popular support, desiring only to secure his position and that is all. Is this really a time of their gradual rise in prosperity?

操之所行，其惟殺伐小為過差，及離閒人骨肉，以為酷耳。至於御將，自古少有。丕之於操，萬不及也。今叡之不如丕，猶丕不如操也。其所以務崇小惠，必以其父新死，自度衰微，恐困苦之民一朝崩沮，故彊屈曲以求民心，欲以自安住耳，寧是興隆之漸邪！

I have heard he has appointed men like Chén [Qún] Chángwén and Cáo [Zhēn] Zǐdān, who are either mere weak intellectuals or relatives of the Imperial clan. Can he really lead powerful talented tiger-valiant generals to govern the realm Under Heaven? When authority is not concentrated, then affairs will become disordered, just as in the past Zhāng Ěr and Chén Yú could not keep peaceful relations and sought to seize power, and so brought disaster on each other. This is as logic dictates. Further, the reason followers like Chángwén could in the past act well was because they had Cāo to grip their heads. They feared Cāo’s prestige, and therefore wholeheartedly worked their hardest and did not dare act wrongly and that is all.

聞任陳長文、曹子丹輩，或文人諸生，或宗室戚臣，寧能御雄才虎將以制天下乎？夫威柄不專，則其事乖錯，如昔張耳、陳餘，非不敦睦，至於秉勢，自還相賊，乃事理使然也。又長文之徒，昔所以能守善者，以操笮其頭，畏操威嚴，故竭心盡意，不敢為非耳。

When Pī inherited, his age had already reached adulthood, and in taking the inheritance of Cāo, he added kindness and affection, so that they would be grateful. Now Ruì is young and feeble, following other men in all affairs. The officials of this generation will certainly seek out personal opportunities, band together in factions for gain, each supporting their allies. When things are like this, treachery and slander appear, with everyone accusing and hating each other, and turning against and betraying one another. Just as in the past, the ministers down compete for personal gain, the young ruler cannot control them. How much longer can they last before they are defeated?

逮丕繼業，年已長大，承操之後，以恩情加之，用能感義。今叡幼弱，隨人東西，此曹等輩，必當因此弄巧行態，阿黨比周，各助所附。如此之日，姦讒並起，更相陷懟，轉成嫌貳。一爾已往，群下爭利，主幼不御，其為敗也焉得久乎？

That one knows this is true, is that from the past to the present, when has there been four or five people all grabbing the handle of authority without turning against each other and stomping and clawing? The strong will oppress the weak, and the weak will ask for rescue [from us], and this is the way that the chaos will end. Zǐyú, you need only carefully listen to this. Bóyán is often adept at making plans, but I am afraid in this one affair he has a small shortcoming.” (1)

所以知其然者，自古至今，安有四五人把持刑柄，而不離刺轉相蹄齧者也！彊當陵弱，弱當求援，此亂亡之道也。子瑜，卿但側耳聽之，伯言常長於計校，恐此一事小短也。」〔一〕

• (1) Your Servant Sōngzhī believes Wèi Míng-dì was at the time an enlightened ruler and himself managed the government. Sūn Quán in this discussion was indeed not correct. But what was recorded by the historians, about the danger of a young ruler, when authority is not held by one, and the situation of how disaster may end, was as Quán said, and it was appropriate to record as a lesson for reflection. Perhaps it could not apply to Míng-dì, but it could describe Qí-wáng [Cáo Fāng]; the reign of Qí-wáng, could it not be said to be proof? [Chén Shòu] did not dare criticize openly, and so was restrained to the memorial’s abstruse words.

〔一〕　臣松之以為魏明帝一時明主，政自己出，孫權此論，竟為無徵，而史載之者，將以主幼國疑，威柄不一，亂亡之形，有如權言，宜其存錄以為鑒戒。或當以雖失之於明帝，而事著於齊王，齊王之世，可不謂驗乎！不敢顯斥，抑足表之微辭。

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When Quán took Imperial title [229], he was titled General-in-Chief, Commander Protector on the Left, with office as Governor of Yù province. When Lǚ Yī was executed [238], Quán sent Imperial Orders to obtain criticism and advice from Jǐn and the rest. The discussion is in Quán’s Biography (SGZ 47). Jǐn immediately answered because of the serious matter, and his words were reasonable and logical.

權稱尊號，拜大將軍、左都護，領豫州牧。及呂壹誅，權又有詔切磋瑾等，語在權傳。瑾輒因事以答，辭順理正

Jǐn’s son Kè had flourishing reputation at the time, and Quán was deeply impressed with his ability. However, Jǐn was always doubtful of him, and said he was not a son who would maintain the family, always worrying and grieving [as a parent]. (1)

瑾子恪，名盛當世，權深器異之；然瑾常嫌之，謂非保家之子，每以憂戚。〔一〕

• (1) Wúshū states: Previously, Jǐn was General-in-Chief, while his younger brother Liàng was the Shǔ Chancellor. His two sons Kè and Róng both led soldiers and horses and commanded with authority as chief commanding officers. His younger third cousin Dàn also was renowned in Wèi. One clan had dominant figures in three directions, thriving across the world Under Heaven. Though Jǐn’s ability and genius did not reach that of his younger brother, his morality and conduct were exceptional and pure. After his wife died he did not remarry, and though he had a favored concubine who bore him a son he did not promote her [to wife]. His sincere prudence was always like this.

〔一〕　吳書曰：初，瑾為大將軍，而弟亮為蜀丞相，二子恪、融皆典戎馬，督領將帥，族弟誕又顯名於魏，一門三方為冠蓋，天下榮之。謹才略雖不及弟，而德行尤純。妻死不改娶，有所愛妾，生子不舉，其篤慎皆如此。

Chìwū fourth year [241], aged sixty-eight years he died. His will ordered a plain unadorned coffin restrained to everyday clothes, and all matters to be made simpler and more economical. Kè already had his own fief as Marquis, so his younger brother Róng inherited [Zhūgě Jǐn’s] title, took over the affairs of the troops stationed at Gōng’ān (2), and all the personal retainers and officials and troops were closely attached to him.

赤烏四年，年六十八卒，遺命令素棺斂以時服，事從省約。恪已自封侯，故弟融襲爵，攝兵業駐公安，〔二〕部曲吏士親附之。

• Wúshū states: Róng appellation Shūzhǎng. From birth he was pampered and spoiled, when young he was proud and playful，and his learning was wide but not thorough. By nature he was tolerant and lenient, had many skills and arts, and several times went to Court in plain and coarse dress. Later he was appointed Cavalry Commandant. During Chìwū [238-251]，the various commanderies sent squads and the Commandant of Xīndū Chén Biǎo and Commandant of Wú-jùn Gù Chéng each led their followers to establish farms and develop the hills, each numbering several tens of thousands of men and women. Biǎo died of illness, and Quán sent Róng to succeed Biǎo. Later he succeeded his father Jǐn’s command.

〔二〕　吳書曰：融字叔長，生於寵貴，少而驕樂，學為章句，博而不精，性寬容，多技藝，數以巾褐奉朝請，後拜騎都尉。赤烏中，諸郡出部伍，新都都尉陳表、吳郡都尉顧承各率所領人會佃毗陵，男女各數萬口。表病死，權以融代表，後代父瑾領攝。

When there were no problems beyond the border, in autumn and winter he would shoot and hunt and focus on military arts, and in spring and summer he would have celebrations with guests, give vacations to his officials and soldiers, or else travel long distances for pleasure. At every meeting he would immediately inquire about his guests’ experiences, each would speak of their abilities, and then he would gather them on the same couches and mats and have them compete. Some played chess, some played dice, dart throwing, all of this sort. Then sweet fruit was sent forward, and pure wine leisurely served, and Róng would watch all day without tiring. Róng’s father and elder brother dressed plainly, and though they were in the military, they personally did not adorn themselves. But Róng wore embroidery and brocade, and alone was extravagant.

疆外無事，秋冬則射獵講武，春夏則延賓高會，休吏假卒，或不遠千里而造焉。每會輒歷問賓客，各言其能，乃合榻促席，量敵選對，或有博弈，或有摴蒱，投壺弓彈，部別類分，於是甘果繼進，清酒徐行，融周流觀覽，終日不倦。融父兄質素，雖在軍旅，身無采飾；而融錦罽文繡，獨為奢綺。

When Sūn Quán died [252], he was transferred to General Exerting Martial ability. Later Kè invaded Huáinán, and Róng was given a Staff of Authority, to lead the armies into the region of the river Miǎn and attack the western troops.

孫權薨，徙奮威將軍。後恪征淮南，假融節，令引軍入沔，以擊西兵。

When Kè was executed, Commander of Wúnán Shī Kuān was sent to lead Generals Shī Jì, Sūn Yī, Quán Xī, and others to arrest Róng. Róng suddenly heard soldiers had arrived, and was panicked and hesitant, and could not decide on a plan. The soldiers arrived and besieged his city. He drank a drug and died. His three sons were all executed. (3)

恪既誅，遣無難督施寬就將軍施績、孫壹、全熙等取融。融卒聞兵士至，惶懼猶豫，不能決計，兵到圍城，飲藥而死，三子皆伏誅。〔三〕

• (3) Jiāngbiǎozhuàn states: Before this, in Gōng’ān there was the call of a ghost alligator. A children’s rhyme said: “White alligator calls, turtle’s back flattens. Inside Nán-jùn walls one can live long, hold to the death not leaving righteousness without accomplishment.” When Kè was executed, Róng indeed scraped metal from a seal turtle, swallowed it and died.

〔三〕　江表傳曰：先是，公安有靈鼉鳴，童謠曰：「白鼉鳴，龜背平，南郡城中可長生，守死不去義無成。」及恪被誅，融果刮金印龜，服之而死。