Good Works Translation from Volume 47

This Good Works Translation renders the Ban and Liang biography in Fan Ye's Hou Han Shu from Classical Chinese into English.

For the Scythian shelf, the chapter is eastern frontier evidence. It gives the biographical record behind Later Han command in Shanshan, Khotan, Shule, Kucha, Yanqi, Cheshi, and the western roads after the first Han opening.

The Classical Chinese source text is printed below the translation.

Translation

Ban Chao, courtesy name Zhongsheng, was a man of Pingling in Fufeng and the younger son of Biao, prefect of Xu. As a man he had great ambition and did not attend closely to small proprieties. Yet within the household he was filial and careful; at home he was always ready for hard work and did not feel shame at labor or humiliation. He was eloquent and had read widely in the classics and histories.

In the fifth Yongping year, his elder brother Ban Gu was summoned to serve as editorial gentleman. Chao followed his mother to Luoyang. His family was poor, and he often took hire as a government copyist in order to support her. After long hardship, he once stopped work, threw down his brush, and sighed: "A great man, if he has no other plan, should at least follow Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian, establish merit in alien lands, and win a marquisate. How can he spend his life with brush and inkstone?" Those around him all laughed. Chao said: "How can petty fellows know the purpose of a man of resolution?"

Afterward he went to a physiognomist. The man said: "Sir Libationer, you are only a plain-clothed student, yet you shall be enfeoffed as marquis ten thousand li away." Chao asked what sign showed this. The man pointed and said: "You have a swallow's jaw and a tiger's neck; you will fly and eat flesh. This is the appearance of a marquis of ten thousand li." After some time, Emperor Ming asked Ban Gu, "Where is your younger brother?" Gu replied, "He writes for the government and receives wages to support our aged mother." The emperor then appointed Chao clerk of the Orchid Terrace. Later he was dismissed because of an affair.

In the sixteenth year, Dou Gu, commandant of carriage and cavalry, went out to strike the Xiongnu. He made Chao acting major and sent him with troops to strike Yiwu separately. Chao fought at Lake Pulei, cut off many heads, captured prisoners, and returned. Dou Gu considered him capable and sent him with the aide Guo Xun as envoy to the Western Regions.

When Chao reached Shanshan, King Guang of Shanshan received him with full ceremony and respect. Later the king suddenly became distant and negligent. Chao said to his officers: "Have you not noticed that Guang's ceremonial intention has become thin? This must be because envoys of the northern enemy have arrived, and he is wavering, unsure which side to follow. A clear-sighted man sees what has not yet sprouted; how much more what is already visible." He summoned a Hu attendant and deceived him, saying: "The Xiongnu envoys have been here several days. Where are they now?" The attendant was frightened and confessed everything.

Chao shut the attendant away, gathered all thirty-six of his officers and men, and drank with them. When the wine had gone round, he stirred their anger and said: "You and I are together in a severed land, hoping to establish great merit and seek wealth and rank. Now the enemy envoys have been here only a few days, and King Guang's respect is already abandoned. If Shanshan seizes us and sends us to the Xiongnu, our bones will long be food for wolves and jackals. What shall we do?" His officers all said: "We are now in a place of life and death. We follow the major."

Chao said: "If one does not enter the tiger's den, one does not get the tiger cub. The only plan now is to use fire by night against the enemy, so that they do not know whether we are many or few. They will surely be terrified, and they can be exterminated. Once these enemies are destroyed, Shanshan will lose heart, and the work will be completed." The men said: "We should discuss this with the aide." Chao angrily said: "Fortune or disaster is decided today. The aide is a common clerical officer; if he hears this he will surely be frightened and the plan will leak. Then we shall die without a name. That is not the way of men of resolution." The men said: "Good."

In the first part of the night he led his officers and men to rush the enemy camp. There happened to be a great wind. Chao ordered ten men to carry drums and hide behind the enemy quarters, agreeing: "When you see the fire burning, all beat the drums and shout." The rest took weapons and crossbows and lay hidden on both sides of the gate. Chao then set fire with the wind. Drums and shouting rose before and behind. The enemy were startled and confused. Chao killed three men with his own hand, and his officers and soldiers cut off the heads of the envoy and more than thirty of his attendants; the remaining hundred or so were all burned to death.

The next day he returned and told Guo Xun. Xun was greatly alarmed; then his expression changed. Chao knew his meaning, raised his hand, and said: "Although you, secretary, did not go, what heart would Ban Chao have to monopolize the credit?" Xun was pleased. Chao then summoned King Guang of Shanshan and showed him the heads of the enemy envoys. The whole state shook with fear. Chao instructed, comforted, and pacified him, and Guang sent a son as hostage.

Chao returned and reported to Dou Gu. Gu was greatly pleased, submitted Chao's achievement in detail, and requested that another envoy be chosen for the Western Regions. The emperor admired Chao's integrity and ordered Dou Gu: "For what reason would you choose another when you have an officer like Ban Chao? Now appoint Chao army major and let him complete the earlier work." Chao again received the mission. Dou Gu wished to increase his troops. Chao said: "I ask to take only the thirty or so men who first followed me. If there is an unexpected event, more men would only be a burden."

At that time King Guangde of Khotan had newly attacked and broken Shache and was expanding his power on the southern road. The Xiongnu had sent an envoy to supervise his state. When Chao went west he first reached Khotan. Guangde's ceremony and intention were very slight. Moreover, their custom trusted shamans. A shaman said: "The spirit is angry. Why do you wish to turn toward Han? The Han envoy has a spotted horse. Quickly demand it to sacrifice to me." Guangde then sent a messenger to Chao requesting the horse. Chao secretly learned the situation, replied that he would grant it, and ordered the shaman to come personally to take the horse. Soon the shaman arrived. Chao immediately cut off his head and sent it to Guangde, with a message of rebuke. Guangde had long heard that Chao had destroyed the enemy envoys in Shanshan. Greatly terrified, he attacked and killed the Xiongnu envoy and submitted to Chao. Chao gave rich gifts from the king downward and then settled and pacified the country.

At that time Jian, king of Kucha, had been set up by the Xiongnu. Relying on enemy power, he occupied the northern road, attacked and broke Shule, killed its king, and installed a man of Kucha named Douti as king of Shule. The next spring Chao reached Shule by a side route. He was ninety li from Pantou city, where Douti lived, and first sent his officer Tian Lu ahead to bring him over. Chao instructed Lu: "Douti is not of Shule stock. The people of the state will surely not obey him. If he does not surrender at once, you may seize him."

When Lu arrived, Douti saw that he seemed slight and weak and had no intention of surrendering. Lu took advantage of his lack of preparation, advanced, and bound him. Those around him were caught by surprise and all fled in alarm. Lu rode back to report to Chao. Chao immediately went there, summoned all the generals and officers of Shule, explained the lawlessness of Kucha, and installed Zhong, the son of the elder brother of their former king, as king. The people of the state were greatly pleased. Zhong and the officers all requested that Douti be killed. Chao would not permit it; wishing to show both authority and good faith, he released him and sent him away. From this Shule was at enmity with Kucha.

In the eighteenth year the emperor died. Yanqi, because China was in great mourning, attacked and destroyed Protector-General Chen Mu. Chao stood alone without support, and Kucha and Gumo repeatedly sent troops to attack Shule. Chao defended Pantou city, with Zhong answering him head and tail. His officers and soldiers were few, but he held out for more than a year. When Emperor Zhang first came to the throne, because Chen Mu had newly been killed and he feared that Chao, isolated and endangered, could not maintain himself, he issued an order recalling Chao.

When Chao set out to return, the whole state of Shule was anxious and afraid. Its commandant Li Yan said: "If the Han envoy abandons us, we shall again be destroyed by Kucha. I truly cannot bear to see the Han envoy go." He then cut his own throat with a knife. When Chao reached Khotan on his return, the king, marquises, and all below them wept and cried: "We rely on the Han envoy as on father and mother. Truly he must not go." They clasped Chao's horse's legs and would not let him leave. Chao feared that Khotan would finally not permit him to go east; he also wished to carry out his original purpose. He therefore returned again to Shule. After Chao had left, two cities of Shule had again surrendered to Kucha and joined troops with Weitou. Chao captured and beheaded the rebels, defeated Weitou, killed more than six hundred men, and Shule was again at peace.

In the third Jianchu year, Chao led ten thousand men from Shule, Kangju, Khotan, and Gumi to attack the Stone City of Gumo. He broke it and cut off seven hundred heads. Chao wished, from this, to pacify the states. He therefore submitted a memorial requesting troops:

"I have seen that the late emperor wished to open the Western Regions; therefore he struck the Xiongnu in the north and sent envoys to foreign states in the west. Shanshan and Khotan at once turned toward transformation. Now Gumi, Shache, Shule, the Yuezhi, Wusun, and Kangju again wish to submit, and they desire to combine forces to break and destroy Kucha and make the Han road level and open. If Kucha is obtained, among the Western Regions those not yet obedient will be scarcely one in a hundred.

"I humbly consider myself a petty officer from the ranks. I truly wish to follow Gu Ji and give my life in severed lands, and perhaps to follow Zhang Qian in casting away his body in the wilderness. Formerly Wei Jiang was only a grandee among the feudal states and yet could harmonize the Rong. How much more should I, serving under the majesty of great Han, have some use, even if only the single cut of a lead knife? Earlier debaters all said that taking the thirty-six states was called cutting off the Xiongnu's right arm. Now, among the states of the Western Regions, from the place where the sun enters, none fail to turn toward transformation. Great and small rejoice; tribute offerings do not cease. Only Yanqi and Kucha have not submitted.

"Earlier I and thirty-six officers served as envoys to severed lands and met every kind of danger and hardship. Since I have defended Shule alone, five years have now passed. I have somewhat learned the feelings and calculations of the Hu and Yi. When I ask about the size of cities and walled states, they all say, 'Relying on Han is the same as relying on Heaven.' Judging from this, the Onion Range can be opened. If the Onion Range is opened, Kucha can be attacked. It is now fitting to appoint Baiba, the hostage prince of Kucha, as king of his country, send him with several hundred infantry and cavalry, and join with the states' forces. Within months and years Kucha can be captured. To attack barbarians with barbarians is the best plan.

"I see that the fields of Shache and Shule are fertile and broad, and their grasses and pastures are abundant. They are not like the spaces between Dunhuang and Shanshan; troops need not spend China's supplies, and food will be enough of itself. Moreover the two kings of Gumo and Wensu were specially installed by Kucha; since they are not of that stock, they hate and resent one another. Their situation will surely produce surrender or rebellion. If the two states come over, Kucha will break of itself. I ask that my memorial be sent down and the affairs considered. If there is even one ten-thousandth chance, what regret would there be in death? I, Chao, insignificant as I am, have received special favor from the spirits. I secretly hope that I will not yet fall stiff, but will see with my own eyes the Western Regions pacified, Your Majesty raise the cup of ten thousand years, present merit in the ancestral temple, and spread great joy under Heaven."

When the memorial was submitted, the emperor knew that Chao's work could be completed, and in council he wished to grant troops. Xu Gan, a man of Pingling and long of the same purpose as Chao, submitted a memorial asking to devote himself to assist Chao. In the fifth year Xu Gan was made acting major and led one thousand men, including pardoned convicts and volunteers, to join Chao.

Before this, Shache, thinking that Han troops would not come out, had surrendered to Kucha, and Fan Chen, commandant of Shule, had again rebelled. When Xu Gan had just arrived, Chao and Gan attacked Fan Chen, greatly defeated him, cut off more than a thousand heads, and captured many people alive. After Chao had broken Fan Chen he wished to advance against Kucha. Because Wusun's troops were strong and it was fitting to use their strength, he submitted a statement: "Wusun is a great state, with one hundred thousand bowmen. Therefore Emperor Wu married a princess to it, and by the time of Emperor Xuan he finally obtained its use. Now envoys may be sent to summon and comfort them, and together we can combine strength." The emperor accepted this.

In the eighth year Chao was appointed senior clerk in command of troops, with drums, banners, and standards temporarily granted. Xu Gan was made army major. Separately, the guard officer Li Yi was sent to escort the Wusun envoys and to give brocade and silk to the greater and lesser Kunmi and those below them.

Li Yi had just reached Khotan when Kucha was attacking Shule. Terrified, he did not dare advance. He submitted a letter saying that the work of the Western Regions could not be completed. He also bitterly slandered Chao, saying that he embraced his beloved wife, held his beloved son, and was at ease in a foreign country, with no heart turned inward. When Chao heard this he sighed: "I am not Zeng Shen, yet there are three slanders arriving; I fear I will be suspected by this age." He then sent his wife away.

The emperor knew Chao's loyalty and sharply rebuked Li Yi: "Even if Chao embraces a beloved wife and holds a beloved son, how could more than a thousand men who long to return all be of one mind with Chao?" He ordered Yi to go to Chao and receive his direction. The edict told Chao: "If Yi can be used outside, keep him with you as an aide." Chao immediately sent Yi to escort the Wusun hostage prince back to the capital. Xu Gan said to Chao: "Yi personally slandered you before and wished to ruin the Western Regions. Why not rely on the edict and keep him, sending another officer to escort the hostage prince?" Chao said: "How coarse these words are. Because Yi slandered me, I now send him. Looking within, I feel no guilt. Why should I worry over men's speech? To keep him for the pleasure of my own anger would not be the act of a loyal minister."

The next year, acting major He Gong and three others were again sent with eight hundred troops to Chao. Chao then raised troops from Shule and Khotan to attack Shache. Shache secretly communicated with King Zhong of Shule and lured him with heavy profit. Zhong rebelled and followed them, defending Wuji city in the west. Chao then set up his office aide Cheng Da as king of Shule and raised all those who had not rebelled to attack Zhong. They piled up six months of fighting, but Kangju sent elite troops to rescue him, and Chao could not bring the city down. At this time the Yuezhi had newly made a marriage alliance with Kangju and were close to them. Chao therefore sent envoys carrying much brocade and silk to the Yuezhi king and had him instruct the king of Kangju. The king of Kangju then withdrew his troops, seized Zhong, and returned him to his own country. Wuji city then surrendered to Chao.

Three years later Zhong persuaded the king of Kangju to lend troops and returned to occupy Sunzhong. Secretly he plotted with Kucha and sent envoys in false surrender to Chao. Chao inwardly knew his treachery but outwardly pretended to accept. Zhong was greatly pleased and came to Chao with light cavalry. Chao secretly ordered troops to wait for him and prepared mats and music. When the wine was moving, he shouted to the officers to bind and behead Zhong. Then he attacked and broke Zhong's followers, killing more than seven hundred men. The southern road was then opened.

The next year Chao raised twenty-five thousand troops from Khotan and the other states and again attacked Shache. The king of Kucha sent his left general with fifty thousand men from Wensu, Gumo, and Weitou to rescue it. Chao summoned the commanders and the king of Khotan to council and said: "Now our troops are few and cannot match them. The best plan is for each group to scatter and go away. Khotan should go east from here, and the senior clerk will return west from here. Wait for the sound of the night drum and then depart." Secretly he released the prisoners he had taken. When the king of Kucha heard this he was greatly pleased. He personally took ten thousand cavalry to the western border to block Chao, while the king of Wensu led eight thousand cavalry to the eastern border to intercept Khotan. Chao knew that the two enemies had already gone out. He secretly summoned the divisions, ordered the troops, and at cockcrow rushed to the Shache camp. The Hu were shocked, confused, and fled. He pursued and cut off more than five thousand heads and took a great store of horses, livestock, and goods. Shache then surrendered, and Kucha and the others each withdrew and scattered. From this Chao's authority shook the Western Regions.

At first, the Yuezhi had assisted Han in attacking Cheshi and had merit. This year they sent tribute of precious things, fuba beasts, and lions, and then requested a Han princess. Chao refused and sent their envoys back. For this reason they resented him. In the second Yongyuan year, the Yuezhi sent their deputy king Xie with seventy thousand troops to attack Chao. Chao's men were few, and all were greatly afraid. Chao explained to the soldiers: "Although the Yuezhi troops are many, they have crossed the Onion Range from several thousand li away and have no transport. Why should they worry us? We need only gather grain and hold firm. In hunger and extremity they will submit of themselves. No more than several tens of days will decide it." Xie advanced and attacked Chao but could not take him, and plundering gained nothing. Chao calculated that their grain was about to run out and that they would surely seek rescue from Kucha. He sent several hundred troops to intercept them on the eastern border. Xie indeed sent cavalry carrying gold, silver, pearls, and jade as bribes for Kucha. Chao's hidden troops blocked and struck them, killed them all, and showed the envoys' heads to Xie. Xie was greatly alarmed and sent an envoy to admit guilt, asking to be allowed to return alive. Chao released him. From this the Yuezhi were greatly shaken and offered tribute every year.

The next year Kucha, Gumo, and Wensu all surrendered. Chao was then made protector-general, and Xu Gan senior clerk. Baiba was appointed king of Kucha, and the major Yao Guang was sent to escort him. Chao and Guang together forced Kucha to depose its king Youliduo and install Baiba, and Guang took Youliduo back to the capital. Chao resided in Taqian city in Kucha, while Xu Gan was stationed at Shule. Among the Western Regions only Yanqi, Weixu, and Yuli, because they had earlier killed the protector-general, carried two hearts. All the rest were settled.

In the autumn of the sixth year, Chao raised seventy thousand men from Kucha, Shanshan, and eight states, together with fourteen hundred officers, soldiers, merchants, and travelers, to punish Yanqi. When the army reached the border of Yuli, he sent a clear message to Yanqi, Yuli, and Weixu: "The protector-general has come to settle and comfort the three states. If you wish to reform your faults and turn toward what is good, send your great men to welcome him. The kings, marquises, and those below them will be rewarded, and when the affair is finished he will return. Now five hundred bolts of colored silk are granted to the king." King Guang of Yanqi sent his left general Beijianzhi with cattle and wine to welcome Chao.

Chao bound Beijianzhi by oath and said: "Although you were a Xiongnu hostage prince, now you hold the power of the state. The protector-general has come personally, and the king did not welcome him at the proper time; all of this is your crime." Someone said Chao could kill him immediately. Chao said: "This is beyond your reach. This man's power is heavier than the king's. If I kill him before entering his state, I will cause him to suspect himself, prepare defenses, and guard the passes. How then could we reach his city?" He therefore gave him gifts and sent him away. Guang then came with the great men to welcome Chao at Yuli and presented precious objects.

Yanqi had the danger of a reed bridge. Guang cut the bridge, not wishing the Han army to enter the state. Chao changed course and crossed by another road. On the last day of the seventh month he reached Yanqi, twenty li from the city, and set up camp in the middle of a great marsh. Guang, taken by surprise, was greatly afraid and wished to drive all his people into the mountains for defense. Yuan Meng, left officer of Yanqi, had earlier been a hostage in the capital. He secretly sent a messenger to inform Chao of the matter. Chao immediately beheaded the messenger, showing that he did not trust such reports.

He then set a date for a great assembly of the kings of the states and spread word that he would give heavy rewards. King Guang of Yanqi, King Fan of Yuli, Beijianzhi, and thirty others came to Chao together. Their state counselor Fujiu and seventeen others feared execution and all fled into the sea, and the king of Weixu also did not come. When they were seated, Chao angrily questioned Guang: "Why has the king of Weixu not come? For what reason have Fujiu and the others fled?" He shouted to the officers and soldiers to seize Guang, Fan, and the others and behead them in the old city of Chen Mu. Their heads were sent to the capital. Then he loosed the troops to plunder, cut off more than five thousand heads, captured fifteen thousand people alive, and took more than three hundred thousand horses, cattle, and sheep. He installed Yuan Meng as king of Yanqi. Chao remained in Yanqi for half a year and comforted and pacified it. Thereupon more than fifty states of the Western Regions all sent hostages and became inwardly attached.

The next year an edict said: "Formerly the Xiongnu alone controlled the Western Regions, raided and robbed Hexi, and at the end of Yongping the city gates were shut in daylight. The late emperor deeply pitied the border people entangled in raiding and harm. He therefore ordered generals to strike the right lands, break White Mountain, reach Pulei, and take Cheshi. The walled states shook with fear and responded, and so the Western Regions were opened and a protector-general was established. But Shun, king of Yanqi, and Zhong, son of Shun, alone plotted rebellion. Holding their difficult passes, they destroyed the protector-general and his officers and soldiers. The late emperor valued the lives of the common people and dreaded raising military service; therefore he sent army major Ban Chao to settle Khotan and the lands west of it.

"Chao then crossed the Onion Range, reached Xuandu, and for twenty-two years went out and in; none failed to submit. He changed and installed their kings and soothed their people. Without moving China and without troubling its soldiers, he obtained the harmony of distant barbarians, united the hearts of different customs, brought Heaven's punishment, washed away old shame, and repaid the hatred of the officers and soldiers. The Methods of the Major says, 'Reward does not pass beyond the month, because one wishes men quickly to see the profit of doing good.' Enfeoff Chao as Marquis Dingyuan, with a fief of one thousand households."

Chao considered that he had long been in severed lands, and in old age he thought of his native soil. In the twelfth year he submitted a memorial:

"I have heard that when the Grand Duke was enfeoffed in Qi, for five generations his descendants were buried in Zhou; the fox at death turns its head toward its mound, and the horse of Dai leans toward the northern wind. Zhou and Qi were both within the central lands and only a thousand li apart. How much more may a petty minister, dwelling far away in severed lands, feel the thought of leaning toward the wind and turning the head toward the mound? The custom of the barbarians is to fear the strong and insult the old. I, Chao, have worn out my dog-and-horse teeth. I always fear that in age and decline I shall suddenly fall stiff, my lonely soul abandoned. Formerly Su Wu remained among the Xiongnu for nineteen years. Now I have been fortunate to carry the credentials and wear gold and silver as protector of the Western Regions. If I were to end my life in the garrison, I would truly have no regret; yet I fear later generations may name me as a minister who died in the Western Regions. I do not dare hope to reach Jiuquan commandery. I only wish to enter Jade Gate Pass alive. Old, sick, weakened, and exhausted, I risk death and speak blindly. I respectfully send my son Yong with tribute goods into the frontier. While I am still alive, let Yong see the central lands with his own eyes."

Chao's younger sister, Zhao, wife of Cao Shou of the same commandery, also submitted a letter requesting Chao's return:

"My full brother Chao, protector-general of the Western Regions and Marquis Dingyuan, has been fortunate, through small merit, to receive extraordinary reward. His rank stands among the full marquises and his office is two-thousand-stone. Heavenly favor is utterly exceptional and truly not something a small minister should receive. When Chao first went out, he resolved to throw away his body and life, hoping to establish slight merit and show his service. When Chen Mu's disaster occurred, the roads were cut off. Chao, with his single body, turned from side to side in severed lands, instructed and persuaded the states, used their troops and multitudes, and whenever there was attack and battle he was always first to climb. His body has received wounds from metal, but he has not avoided death. Relying on Your Majesty's divine spirit, he has been able to prolong his life in the deserts until now, nearly thirty years. Bone and flesh have been separated alive and no longer recognize one another. The men and troops who followed him at that time are all already dead. Chao is the oldest; now he is nearly seventy. Weak, old, and ill, his hair has no black, his two hands are numb, his ears and eyes are not bright, and only with a staff can he walk.

"Although he wishes to exhaust all his strength to repay the Heavenly favor, he is pressed by the year's dusk and his dog-and-horse teeth are spent. The nature of the barbarians is rebellious and insulting to the old. If Chao enters the earth morning or evening and has long not been replaced, I fear it will open a source of treachery and give birth to a heart of rebellion. The high ministers all cling to momentary convenience and will not take long thought. If there is sudden violence, Chao's strength will not follow his heart. Above, the accumulated work of the state will be damaged; below, the exhausted service of a loyal minister will be abandoned. It is truly painful. Therefore Chao, from ten thousand li away, returns sincerity, states his distress, stretches his neck and looks beyond, and for three years until now has not been examined or recorded.

"I have heard privately that in antiquity one received arms at fifteen and returned them at sixty; there was also rest for those no longer able to hold office. Because Your Majesty governs all under Heaven with perfect filial piety and obtains the joyful heart of the ten thousand states, he does not abandon the ministers of small states. How much more should Chao, who has filled the rank of marquis, dare, even at the risk of death, to ask pity for himself and nourish his remaining years? If he can once come back alive and again see the palace court, the state will forever have no anxiety from distant labor, the Western Regions will have no sudden danger, and Chao will long receive the grace of King Wen burying bones and Zifang pitying old age. The Odes say, 'The people too are weary; perhaps they may have a little rest. Favor this central state, to soothe the four quarters.' Chao has sent me a letter parting from me in life, fearing we will not see one another again. I am truly wounded that Chao exhausted loyalty and filial service in the deserts while in his strong years, and when tired and old is to be cast away to die in the wilderness. This is truly pitiable. If he does not receive rescue and protection, and if Chao afterward has a sudden change, I hope only that Chao's family may receive the pardon granted because Lady Zhao and Lady Wei had first made requests. Foolish and blunt, I do not know the great principles and have offended against prohibitions."

When the letter was submitted, the emperor was moved by her words and summoned Chao home.

Chao had been in the Western Regions for thirty-one years. In the eighth month of the fourteenth year he arrived at Luoyang and was appointed colonel of the archers. Chao had long had a disease of the chest and flanks; after arriving, the illness became worse. The emperor sent a palace eunuch to ask after his illness and granted physicians and medicine. In the ninth month of that year Chao died, aged seventy-one. The court pitied and lamented him. Envoys came with condolences and sacrifice, and funerary gifts were very generous. His son Xiong succeeded him.

At first, when Chao was recalled, Ren Shang, colonel of the Wu and Ji garrisons, became protector-general. He and Chao exchanged offices. Shang said to Chao: "You, lord marquis, have been outside the state more than thirty years. I, a petty man, disgracefully receive the post after you. The charge is heavy and my plans are shallow. You should instruct me." Chao said: "Old age has made me lose wisdom. You have repeatedly held great offices; how could Ban Chao be equal to you? If I must speak, I ask to offer foolish words. The officers and soldiers beyond the frontier are not originally filial sons and obedient grandsons. They have all been transferred to fill the border garrisons because of crimes and faults. The barbarians carry the hearts of birds and beasts; they are hard to nourish and easy to ruin. Now your nature is severe and urgent. In clear water there are no great fish; if government is too searching, those below will not be harmonious. It is fitting to be broad, relaxed, simple, and easy, to be lenient with small faults, and only to hold the great outline."

After Chao had gone, Shang privately said to those close to him: "I thought Lord Ban would have unusual plans, but what he has now said is ordinary." After Shang arrived, within several years the Western Regions rebelled and fell into disorder. He was summoned back for crimes, just as Chao had warned.

Chao had three sons. The eldest, Xiong, was repeatedly promoted and became colonel of garrison cavalry. When rebellious Qiang raided the Three Adjuncts, an edict ordered Xiong to lead troops from the five camps to garrison Chang'an, and he was appointed metropolitan governor of the capital. When Xiong died, his son Shi succeeded. Shi had married the Princess Yincheng, daughter of King Xiao of Qinghe. The princess was Emperor Shun's aunt, noble, arrogant, and licentious. She stayed within the curtain with a favorite and summoned Shi to enter, making him lie under the bed. Shi accumulated anger. In the fifth Yongjian year he drew a blade and killed the princess. The emperor was furious; Shi was cut in two at the waist, and all his full siblings were abandoned in the marketplace. Chao's youngest son was Yong.

Yong, courtesy name Yiliao, had somewhat of his father's manner when young. In the first Yongchu year the Western Regions rebelled. Yong was made army major. He and his elder brother Xiong both went out from Dunhuang, received the protector-general and the armored soldiers of the Western Regions, and returned. The office of protector-general was then dismissed. Afterward for more than ten years there were no Han officers at all in the Western Regions.

In the sixth Yuan-chu year, Cao Zong, administrator of Dunhuang, sent his senior clerk Suo Ban with more than a thousand men to garrison Yiwu. The anterior king of Cheshi and the king of Shanshan both came and surrendered to Ban. Several months later the northern shanyu and the rear division of Cheshi together attacked and destroyed Ban, advanced to attack and drive away the anterior king, and took possession of the northern road. The king of Shanshan was in distress and sought rescue from Cao Zong. Zong used this to request permission to send five thousand troops to strike the Xiongnu, avenge the shame of Suo Ban, and then recover the Western Regions.

Empress Dowager Deng summoned Yong to court council. Before this, many dukes and ministers had thought it right to close Jade Gate Pass and abandon the Western Regions. Yong submitted his opinion:

"Formerly Emperor Wu worried that the Xiongnu were strong and flourishing, and that they combined and commanded the hundred barbarians, pressing on the barriers and frontiers. He therefore opened communication with the Western Regions and separated their parties and allies. Debaters considered this the seizure of the Xiongnu's storehouses and the cutting off of their right arm. When Wang Mang usurped and stole the throne, his demands were without satisfaction; the Hu and Yi were angry and poisoned in heart and therefore rebelled. When Emperor Guangwu revived the state, he had no leisure for external affairs. Therefore the Xiongnu relied on strength and drove the states before them. By Yongping they twice attacked Dunhuang, and in the commanderies of Hexi the city gates were shut in daylight. Emperor Ming deeply considered the ancestral policy and ordered fierce ministers to go out and campaign in the Western Regions. Therefore the Xiongnu withdrew far away and the borders were made safe. By Yongyuan, none failed to become inwardly attached.

"Because of the recent Qiang disorder the Western Regions were again cut off. The northern enemy then sent demands to the states, required their unpaid taxes, raised their prices, and pressed them with harsh deadlines. Shanshan and Cheshi both carry resentment and wish joyfully to serve Han, but they have no road. Those who rebelled at times before did so because herding and management were unsuitable, and the returning officers became a harm to them. Now Cao Zong merely feels shame over earlier defeat and wishes to avenge himself on the Xiongnu, but he does not search out the precedents for sending troops or measure what is fitting at the present time. To seek merit beyond the wastes has not one success in ten thousand. If troops become joined in disaster, regret will have no limit. Moreover the treasuries are now not full, and armies have no continuing support. This shows weakness to distant barbarians and exposes shortness within the seas. In my foolish opinion it must not be permitted.

"In old times Dunhuang commandery had three hundred garrison troops. These should now be restored. A deputy colonel for protecting the Western Regions should again be established, residing at Dunhuang, as in the Yongyuan precedent. Also a senior clerk of the Western Regions should be sent with five hundred men to garrison Loulan. To the west he will hold the route of Yanqi and Kucha; to the south he will strengthen the courage of Shanshan and Khotan; to the north he will ward off the Xiongnu; and to the east he will be near Dunhuang. This would truly be convenient."

The Secretariat asked Yong: "What convenience is there in now establishing a deputy colonel? What are the advantages and harms of placing a senior clerk at Loulan?" Yong replied: "Formerly, at the end of Yongping, when communication with the Western Regions first began, a palace gentleman general was first sent to reside at Dunhuang. Later a deputy colonel was established at Cheshi. He both directed the Hu enemy and prohibited Han men from making intrusions or disturbances. Therefore the outer barbarians turned their hearts toward us, and the Xiongnu feared our authority. Now Youhuan, king of Shanshan, is the grandson of a Han woman. If the Xiongnu gain their will, Youhuan will surely die. Though men of this sort are like birds and beasts, they still know how to avoid harm. If we go out and garrison Loulan, that is enough to summon and attach their hearts. I consider it convenient."

The palace guard Tan Xian, the chamberlain for law Qimu Can, and the metropolitan commandant Cui Ju objected: "The reason the court previously abandoned the Western Regions was that they were of no benefit to China and the expense was hard to supply. Now Cheshi already belongs to the Xiongnu, and Shanshan cannot be guaranteed trustworthy. If they turn and overturn in a single morning, can General Ban guarantee with his own neck that the northern enemy will not harm the border?"

Yong replied: "China now establishes provincial governors to restrain criminals, bandits, and thieves in the commanderies and counties. If a provincial governor can guarantee that bandits and thieves will not arise, then I too am willing to guarantee with my waist and neck that the Xiongnu will not harm the border. If we now communicate with the Western Regions, the enemy's power will surely weaken. If the enemy's power weakens, its harm will be slight. How can that compare with returning its storehouses to it and joining its severed arm? By establishing a colonel to ward and comfort the Western Regions and setting a senior clerk to summon and hold the states, if we abandon them and do not establish these offices, the hope of the Western Regions will be cut off. After hope is cut off, they will bend and turn northward to the enemy, and the commanderies along the border will suffer distress and harm. I fear that the city gates of Hexi will surely again have the warning of being shut in daylight. If now we do not broaden and open the virtue of the court but cling to the cost of garrisons, how could it be a long-lasting plan for quieting the border if the northern enemy then blazes up?"

Mao Zhen, an aide of the grand commandant, objected: "If a colonel is now established, then the Western Regions will send envoys in constant relay, seeking without satisfaction. If we give to them, the expense will be hard to supply; if we do not give, we shall lose their hearts. Once they are pressed by the Xiongnu, they will again seek rescue, and the service will be great."

Yong replied: "Let us suppose now that the Western Regions return to the Xiongnu and cause them to be grateful to great Han and not raid or rob. Then that would be acceptable. If it is not so, then by means of the rich taxes of the Western Regions and the numbers of their troops and horses, they will stir and harass the border. This would enrich the wealth of enemies and increase the power of violent barbarians. Establishing a colonel proclaims authority and spreads virtue, tying the hearts of the states inward and making doubtful the covetous plans of the Xiongnu, without concern for consuming the state's wealth. Moreover the people of the Western Regions have no other demands. Those who come in ask no more than rations. If we now reject and cut them off, their situation will force them to belong northward. The Yi and enemy will combine strength and raid Bing and Liang; then China's expense will not stop at a hundred thousand myriads. Establishing the office is truly convenient."

Thereupon Yong's proposal was followed. Dunhuang commandery's three hundred garrison troops were restored, and a deputy colonel of the Western Regions was established at Dunhuang. Though the Western Regions were again held by loose restraint, Han still could not yet send out a garrison. Afterward the Xiongnu indeed repeatedly raided and plundered together with Cheshi, and Hexi suffered great harm.

In the summer of the second Yan'guang year, Yong was again made senior clerk of the Western Regions, led five hundred troops, and went out to garrison Liuzhong. In the first month of the next year, Yong reached Loulan. Because Shanshan had returned and attached itself, he specially added three ribbons of rank to its king. Ba Ying, king of Kucha, was still doubtful and had not submitted. Yong opened him with favor and trust. Ba Ying then led Gumo and Wensu, bound himself, came to Yong, and surrendered. Yong then raised more than ten thousand infantry and cavalry from their troops and went to the court of the anterior king of Cheshi. He struck and drove away the Xiongnu Yili king at the Yiho Valley and received more than five thousand people of the anterior division. From this the anterior division again opened communication. He returned and farmed at Liuzhong.

In the autumn of the fourth year, Yong raised six thousand cavalry from Dunhuang, Zhangye, and Jiuquan, together with troops from Shanshan, Shule, and the anterior division of Cheshi, to attack Junjiu, king of the rear division. He greatly defeated him, took more than eight thousand heads and prisoners, and captured more than fifty thousand horses and livestock. He captured Junjiu and the Xiongnu envoy holding the credential, brought them to the place where Suo Ban had died, and beheaded them there to repay the shame. Their heads were sent to the capital. In the first Yongjian year, the son of the former king of the rear division, Jiatenu, was made king. Yong also sent a separate colonel to execute the king of Eastern Qiemi and replaced him with a man of that stock. Thereupon the six states of Cheshi were all pacified.

That winter, Yong raised troops from the states to attack the Xiongnu king Huyan. Huyan fled, and his whole people, more than twenty thousand, surrendered. Yong captured the shanyu's elder cousin and made Jiatenu behead him with his own hand, in order to bind Cheshi into enmity with the Xiongnu. The northern shanyu personally led more than ten thousand cavalry into the rear division as far as Jinqie Valley. Yong sent acting major Cao Jun riding fast to rescue it. The shanyu withdrew; Jun pursued and beheaded his noble Guduhou. Thereupon King Huyan moved to live on the Kuwu River. After this there was no more trace of the enemy in Cheshi, and the walled states were all at peace. Only Yuan Meng, king of Yanqi, had not submitted.

In the second year, Yong requested permission to attack Yuan Meng. Dunhuang administrator Zhang Lang was sent with three thousand troops from the four Hexi commanderies to join Yong. Yong then raised more than forty thousand troops from the states and divided the cavalry into two roads to strike him. Yong went by the southern road and Lang by the northern road; they agreed on a date to arrive together at Yanqi. But Lang had earlier committed a crime and wished to seek merit to redeem himself. He reached Jueli Pass before the appointed time and sent his major with troops to fight ahead, taking more than two thousand heads and prisoners. Yuan Meng feared execution and sent envoys to beg surrender. Zhang Lang went straight into Yanqi, received the surrender, and returned. Yuan Meng in the end would not bind himself and appear in person; he only sent his son to the palace with tribute. Lang thereby escaped execution. Yong, because he arrived after the appointed time, was summoned, imprisoned, and dismissed. Later he died at home.

Liang Jin, courtesy name Bowei, was a man of Yiju in Beidi. His father Feng served successively as provincial and commandery officer. In the first Yongyuan year, when Dou Xian, general of chariots and cavalry, went out to campaign against the Xiongnu, Feng was appointed army major and ordered first to carry gold and silk as envoy to the northern shanyu, declaring the state's authority and virtue. More than ten thousand people submitted. Later, because he offended Xian's intention, his hair was shaved and he was transported to Wuwei. The administrator of Wuwei, following Xian's will, killed him. After the Dou clan was destroyed, Emperor He knew that Feng had been falsely accused by Xian. He summoned Jin and appointed him gentleman of the palace.

Jin had courage and often felt strong indignation and loved merit and name. At first he served as major under Deng Hong, general of chariots and cavalry. After two promotions, in the first Yanping year he was appointed deputy colonel of the Western Regions. When Jin had gone as far as Hexi, the states of the Western Regions rebelled and attacked Protector-General Ren Shang at Shule. Shang submitted a letter seeking rescue. An edict ordered Jin to lead five thousand Qiang and Hu cavalry from the four commanderies of Hexi and hurry to him. Before Jin arrived, Shang had already been relieved. When Shang was summoned back, Duan Xi, cavalry commandant, became protector-general, and Zhao Bo, senior clerk of the Western Regions, became cavalry commandant. Xi and Bo defended Taqian city.

Taqian city was small, and Jin considered it impossible to hold firmly. He therefore deceived and persuaded Baiba, king of Kucha, saying that he wished to enter and together defend his city. Baiba permitted it. His officers and people firmly remonstrated, but Baiba would not listen. After Jin had entered, he sent commanders in haste to receive Xi and Bo, joining an army of eight or nine thousand men. The officers and people of Kucha all rebelled against their king and, together with several tens of thousands of troops from Wensu and Gumo, rose in rebellion and surrounded the city. Jin and the others went out to battle and greatly defeated them. For several months the armies remained joined; the Hu host was defeated and fled. Riding the victory, Jin pursued and struck them. In all he cut off more than ten thousand heads, captured several thousand people alive, and took camels, livestock, and property by the tens of thousands. Kucha was then settled.

Yet the roads were still cut off and dispatches could not pass. For more than a year the court was anxious over them. The dukes and ministers in council considered that the Western Regions were obstructed and distant, repeatedly rebellious, and that the cost of officers, soldiers, and military farms would have no end. In the first Yongchu year the protector-general was therefore abolished. Cavalry commandant Wang Hong was sent to raise troops from Guanzhong and receive Jin, Xi, Bo, and the officers and soldiers of the military farms at Yiwu, Lu, and Liuzhong.

In the spring of the second year they returned to Dunhuang. Just then the Qiang peoples rebelled, and the court raised large forces to strike them in the west. A counter-edict ordered Jin to remain as support for the armies. Jin reached Rile in Zhangye. More than ten thousand Qiang of various groups attacked stations and scouts, killing and plundering officers and people. Jin advanced his troops and struck them, greatly defeated them, and riding the victory pursued them to Zhaowu. The enemy scattered and fled; only two or three in ten escaped. When he reached Guzang, more than three hundred great Qiang chiefs came to Jin and surrendered. He comforted and instructed them and sent them back to their former lands, and the four commanderies of Hexi were again at peace.

Jin had received orders to garrison Jincheng. Hearing that the Qiang had turned to raid the Three Adjuncts and were pressing near the imperial parks and tombs, he led his troops to attack them, fighting from place to place at Wugong and the Meiyang Pass. Jin was wounded in battle but did not look after himself. He repeatedly broke and drove them away, recovered all the captured people, and seized many horses, livestock, goods, and property. The Qiang then fled and scattered. The court commended him, repeatedly sent sealed letters of encouragement, entrusted western affairs to him, and ordered him to direct the armies.

In the winter of the third year, the southern shanyu rebelled together with Wuhuan great men. He Xi, superintendent of agriculture, was made acting general of chariots and cavalry; Pang Xiong, palace gentleman general, was his deputy. They led troops of the five Yulin camps and raised more than twenty thousand men from ten border commanderies. Geng Kui, administrator of Liaodong, also led Xianbei groups to strike them. An edict made Jin acting general crossing the Liao. Pang Xiong and Geng Kui together struck the Xiongnu Aojian Rizhu king and broke him. The shanyu then personally surrounded the palace gentleman general Geng Zhong at Meiji. Battle continued for months, and the attack grew urgent. Zhong sent dispatches seeking rescue.

In the first month of the next year, Jin led more than eight thousand men in a rapid march to aid him. At the old city of the dependency he fought the Xiongnu left general and the Wuhuan great men, broke and beheaded their leaders, killed more than three thousand men, captured their wives and children, and took much property. The shanyu again personally led seven or eight thousand cavalry to meet and attack him, surrounding Jin. Jin put on armor and charged; everywhere he went he broke them. The enemy then withdrew to Huze. In the third month He Xi's army reached Manbai in Wuyuan. Xi was violently ill and could not advance. He sent Pang Xiong, Jin, and Geng Zhong with sixteen thousand infantry and cavalry to attack Huze. The connected camps gradually advanced. The shanyu was terrified and sent the left Aojian Rizhu king to Jin to beg surrender. Jin then set out a great array of troops and received him. The shanyu took off his cap, went barefoot, bound himself, knocked his forehead to the ground, and gave hostages. When Xi died in the army, Jin was appointed general crossing the Liao. Pang Xiong returned and became grand herald. Xiong, a man of Ba commandery, had courage and strategy and was known as a famous general.

The next year, Anding, Beidi, and Shang commanderies were all struck by Qiang raiders. Grain was expensive, and the people fled and could not stand on their own. An edict ordered Jin to raise border troops and receive the administrators of the three commanderies, leading their officers and people to move to the border of Fufeng. Jin immediately sent Tugutu Nu, elder brother's son of the southern shanyu, with troops to receive them. After he returned, Jin considered that Tugutu Nu had labored in receiving their families and dependents, and on his own authority gave him the seal and ribbon of a Qiang marquis. For acting without authorization he was summoned, imprisoned, and convicted. The next year Ma Rong, editorial gentleman, submitted a letter pleading for Jin and for Pang Can, colonel protector of the Qiang. An edict pardoned the penalty. The account is in Pang Can's biography.

When rebellious Qiang raided the Three Adjuncts and bandits arose in Guanzhong, Jin was appointed palace attendant and led troops to strike them. When he reached Hu county, he fell ill and died.

He Xi, courtesy name Mengsun, was a man of Chen. When young he had great ambition. In the Yongyuan period he served as palace attendant. His body was eight chi and five cun tall; he was skilled at making a dignified appearance, and when he guided worship in the palace his voice moved those on both sides. Emperor He admired him and promoted him to imperial censor, then he served successively as metropolitan commandant and superintendent of agriculture. When he was dying in the army, he left instructions for a simple burial. He had three sons: Lin, Jin, and Fu. Lin and Jin both had administrative ability. Fu had brilliant talent but died early. Lin's son Heng became secretary. He was known for uprightness, but because he pleaded the cases of Li Ying and others he was imprisoned, dismissed from office, and set aside at home.

The appraisal says: When the government of the age is level, literary virtue is used, and men of military strategy have nowhere to exert their strength and ability. Therefore in the Han age there were many who gave vent to anger and boldness, struggled to smear their bodies among Yi and Di, and sought merit and name. Ji Tong and Geng Bing opened the power over the Xiongnu; Ban Chao and Liang Jin exerted the strategy of the Western Regions. In the end they could complete their work and establish their names, enjoy ranks and offices, present merit in the ancestral temple, and carve achievement for later time. They too were men of purpose for one age.

The praise says: Dingyuan was impassioned; he took sole charge of merit in the far west. He trod levelly through the Onion Range and snow, and Longsha lay close as a few feet. Jin too rose in indignation; Yong bore the load.

Colophon

This Good Works Translation was made from the Classical Chinese text of Hou Han Shu volume 47, Ban and Liang biography, preserved in the local Scythian expansion source base.

The translation is complete for the source body printed below. It keeps court titles, frontier offices, and state names visible enough for comparison with Han Shu, Hou Han Shu 88, and later Chinese frontier histories.

Compiled for the New Tianmu Anglican Church, 2026.

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Source Text: Classical Chinese

### 班梁列傳

班超字仲升，扶風平陵人，徐令彪之少子也。為人有大志，不修細節。然內孝謹，居家常執勤苦，不恥勞辱。有口辯，而涉獵書傳。永平五年，兄固被召詣校書郎，超與母隨至洛陽。家貧，常為官傭書以供養。久勞苦，嘗輟業投筆歎曰：「大丈夫無它志略，猶當效傅介子、張騫立功異域，以取封侯，安能久事筆研閒乎？」左右皆笑之。超曰：「小子安知壯士志哉！」其後行詣相者，曰：「祭酒，布衣諸生耳，而當封侯萬里之外。」超問其狀。相者指曰：「生燕頷虎頸，飛而食肉，此萬里侯相也。」久之，顯宗問固「卿弟安在」，固對「為官寫書，受直以養老母」。帝乃除超為蘭臺令史，後坐事免官。

十六年，奉車都尉竇固出擊匈奴，以超為假司馬，將兵別擊伊吾，戰於蒲類海，多斬首虜而還。固以為能，遣與從事郭恂俱使西域。

超到鄯善，鄯善王廣奉超禮敬甚備，後忽更疏懈。超謂其官屬曰：「寧覺廣禮意薄乎？此必有北虜使來，狐疑未知所從故也。明者睹未萌，況已著邪。」乃召侍胡詐之曰：「匈奴使來數日，今安在乎？」侍胡惶恐，具服其狀。超乃閉侍胡，悉會其吏士三十六人，與共飲，酒酣，因激怒之曰：「卿曹與我俱在絕域，欲立大功，以求富貴。今虜使到裁數日，而王廣禮敬即廢；如令鄯善收吾屬送匈奴，骸骨長為豺狼食矣。為之柰何？」官屬皆曰：「今在危亡之地，死生從司馬。」超曰：「不入虎穴，不得虎子。當今之計，獨有因夜以火攻虜，使彼不知我多少，必大震怖，可殄盡也。滅此虜，則鄯善破膽，功成事立矣。」眾曰：「當與從事議之。」超怒曰：「吉凶決於今日。從事文俗吏，聞此必恐而謀泄，死無所名，非壯士也！」眾曰：「善」。初夜，遂將吏士往奔虜營。會天大風，超令十人持鼓藏虜舍後，約曰：「見火然，皆當鳴鼓大呼。」餘人悉持兵弩夾門而伏。超乃順風縱火，前後鼓噪。虜眾驚亂，超手格殺三人，吏兵斬其使及從士三十餘級，餘眾百許人悉燒死。明日乃還告郭恂，恂大驚，既而色動。超知其意，舉手曰：「掾雖不行，班超何心獨擅之乎？」恂乃悅。超於是召鄯善王廣，以虜使首示之，一國震怖。超曉告撫慰，遂納子為質。還奏於竇固，固大喜，具上超功效，并求更選使使西域。帝壯超節，詔固曰：「吏如班超，何故不遣而更選乎？今以超為軍司馬，令遂前功。」超復受使，固欲益其兵，超曰：「願將本所從三十餘人足矣。如有不虞，多益為累。」

是時于窴王廣德新攻破莎車，遂雄張南道，而匈奴遣使監護其國。超既西，先至于窴。廣德禮意甚疏。且其俗信巫。巫言：「神怒何故欲向漢？漢使有騧馬，急求取以祠我。」廣德乃遣使就超請馬。超密知其狀，報許之，而令巫自來取馬。有頃，巫至，超即斬其首以送廣德，因辭讓之。廣德素聞超在鄯善誅滅虜使，大惶恐，即攻殺匈奴使者而降超。超重賜其王以下，因鎮撫焉。

時龜茲王建為匈奴所立，倚恃虜威，據有北道，攻破疏勒，殺其王，而立龜茲人兜題為疏勒王。明年春，超從閒道至疏勒。去兜題所居槃橐城九十里，逆遣吏田慮先往降之。敕慮曰：「兜題本非疏勒種，國人必不用命。若不即降，便可執之。」慮既到，兜題見慮輕弱，殊無降意。慮因其無備，遂前劫縛兜題。左右出其不意，皆驚懼奔走。慮馳報超，超即赴之，悉召疏勒將吏，說以龜茲無道之狀，因立其故王兄子忠為王，國人大悅。忠及官屬皆請殺兜題，超不聽，欲示以威信，釋而遣之。疏勒由是與龜茲結怨。

十八年，帝崩。焉耆以中國大喪，遂攻沒都護陳睦。超孤立無援，而龜茲、姑墨數發兵攻疏勒。超守盤橐城，與忠為首尾，士吏單少，拒守歲餘。肅宗初即位，以陳睦新沒，恐超單危不能自立，下詔徵超。超發還，疏勒舉國憂恐。其都尉黎弇曰：「漢使棄我，我必復為龜茲所滅耳。誠不忍見漢使去。」因以刀自剄。超還至于窴，王侯以下皆號泣曰：「依漢使如父母，誠不可去。」互抱超馬腳，不得行。超恐于窴終不聽其東，又欲遂本志，乃更還疏勒。疏勒兩城自超去後，復降龜茲，而與尉頭連兵。超捕斬反者，擊破尉頭，殺六百餘人，疏勒復安。

建初三年，超率疏勒、康居、于窴、拘彌兵一萬人攻姑墨石城，破之，斬首七百級。超欲因此叵平諸國，乃上疏請兵。曰：「臣竊見先帝欲開西域，故北擊匈奴，西使外國，鄯善、于窴即時向化。今拘彌、莎車、疏勒、月氏、烏孫、康居復願歸附，欲共并力破滅龜茲，平通漢道。若得龜茲，則西域未服者百分之一耳。臣伏自惟念，卒伍小吏，實願從谷吉效命絕域，庶幾張騫棄身曠野。昔魏絳列國大夫，尚能和輯諸戎，況臣奉大漢之威，而無鈆刀一割之用乎？前世議者皆曰取三十六國，號為斷匈奴右臂。今西域諸國，自日之所入，莫不向化，大小欣欣，貢奉不絕，唯焉耆、龜茲獨未服從。臣前與官屬三十六人奉使絕域，備遭艱厄。自孤守疏勒，於今五載，胡夷情數，臣頗識之。問其城郭小大，皆言『倚漢與依天等』。以是效之，則蔥領可通，蔥領通則龜茲可伐。今宜拜龜茲侍子白霸為其國王，以步騎數百送之，與諸國連兵，歲月之閒，龜茲可禽。以夷狄攻夷狄，計之善者也。臣見莎車、疏勒田地肥廣，草牧饒衍，不比敦煌，鄯善閒也，兵可不費中國而糧食自足。且姑墨、溫宿二王，特為龜茲所置，既非其種，更相厭苦，其埶必有降反。若二國來降，則龜茲自破。願下臣章，參考行事。誠有萬分，死復何恨。臣超區區，特蒙神靈，竊冀未便僵仆，目見西域平定，陛下舉萬年之觴，薦勳祖廟，布大喜於天下。」書奏，帝知其功可成，議欲給兵。平陵人徐幹素與超同志，上疏願奮身佐超。五年，遂以幹為假司馬，將弛刑及義從千人就超。

先是莎車以為漢兵不出，遂降於龜茲，而疏勒都尉番辰亦復反叛。會徐幹適至，超遂與幹擊番辰，大破之，斬首千餘級，多獲生口。超既破番辰，欲進攻龜茲。以烏孫兵彊，宜因其力，乃上言：「烏孫大國，控弦十萬，故武帝妻以公主，至孝宣皇帝，卒得其用。今可遣使招慰，與共合力。」帝納之。八年，拜超為將兵長史，假鼓吹幢麾。以徐幹為軍司馬，別遣衛候李邑護送烏孫使者，賜大小昆彌以下錦帛。

李邑始到于窴，而值龜茲攻疏勒，恐懼不敢前，因上書陳西域之功不可成，又盛毀超擁愛妻，抱愛子，安樂外國，無內顧心。超聞之，歎曰：「身非曾參而有三至之讒，恐見疑於當時矣。」遂去其妻。帝知超忠，乃切責邑曰：「縱超擁愛妻，抱愛子，思歸之士千餘人，何能盡與超同心乎？」令邑詣超受節度。詔超：「若邑任在外者，便留與從事。」超即遣邑將烏孫侍子還京師。徐幹謂超曰：「邑前親毀君，欲敗西域，今何不緣詔書留之，更遣它吏送侍子乎？」超曰：「是何言之陋也！以邑毀超，故今遣之。內省不疚，何卹人言！快意留之，非忠臣也。」

明年，復遣假司馬和恭等四人將兵八百詣超，超因發疏勒、于窴兵擊莎車。莎車陰通使疏勒王忠，啖以重利，忠遂反從之，西保烏即城。超乃更立其府丞成大為疏勒王，悉發其不反者以攻忠。積半歲，而康居遣精兵救之，超不能下。是時月氏新與康居婚，相親，超乃使使多齎錦帛遺月氏王，令曉示康居王，康居王乃罷兵，執忠以歸其國，烏即城遂降於超。

後三年，忠說康居王借兵，還據損中，密與龜茲謀，遣使詐降於超。超內知其姦而外偽許之。忠大喜，即從輕騎詣超。超密勒兵待之，為供張設樂。酒行，乃叱吏縛忠斬之。因擊破其眾，殺七百餘人，南道於是遂通。

明年，超發于窴諸國兵二萬五千人，復擊莎車。而龜茲王遣左將軍發溫宿、姑墨、尉頭合五萬人救之。超召將校及于窴王議曰：「今兵少不敵，其計莫若各散去。于窴從是而東，長史亦於此西歸，可須夜鼓聲而發。」陰緩所得生口。龜茲王聞之大喜，自以萬騎於西界遮超，溫宿王將八千騎於東界徼于窴。超知二虜已出，密召諸部勒兵，雞鳴馳赴莎車營，胡大驚亂奔走，追斬五千餘級，大獲其馬畜財物。莎車遂降，龜茲等因各退散，自是威震西域。

初，月氏嘗助漢擊車師有功，是歲貢奉珍寶、符拔、師子，因求漢公主。超拒還其使，由是怨恨。永元二年，月氏遣其副王謝將兵七萬攻超。超眾少，皆大恐。超譬軍士曰：「月氏兵雖多，然數千里踰蔥領來，非有運輸，何足憂邪？但當收穀堅守，彼飢窮自降，不過數十日決矣。」謝遂前攻超，不下，又鈔掠無所得。超度其糧將盡，必從龜茲求救，乃遣兵數百於東界要之。謝果遣騎齎金銀珠玉以賂龜茲。超伏兵遮擊，盡殺之，持其使首以示謝。謝大驚，即遣使請罪，願得生歸。超縱遣之。月氏由是大震，歲奉貢獻。

明年，龜茲、姑墨、溫宿皆降，乃以超為都護，徐幹為長史。拜白霸為龜茲王，遣司馬姚光送之。超與光共脅龜茲廢其王尤利多而立白霸，使光將尤利多還詣京師。超居龜茲它乾城，徐幹屯疏勒。西域唯焉耆、危須、尉犁以前沒都護，懷二心，其餘悉定。

六年秋，超遂發龜茲、鄯善等八國兵合七萬人，及吏士賈客千四百人討焉耆。兵到尉犁界，而遣曉說焉耆、尉犁、危須曰：「都護來者，欲鎮撫三國。即欲改過向善，宜遣大人來迎，當賞賜王侯已下，事畢即還。今賜王綵五百匹。」焉耆王廣遣其左將北鞬支奉牛酒迎超。超結鞬支曰：「汝雖匈奴侍子，而今秉國之權。都護自來，王不以時迎，皆汝罪也。」或謂超可便殺之。超曰：「非汝所及。此人權重於王，今未入其國而殺之，遂令自疑，設備守險，豈得到其城下哉！」於是賜而遣之。廣乃與大人迎超於尉犁，奉獻珍物。

焉耆國有葦橋之險，廣乃絕橋，不欲令漢軍入國。超更從它道厲度。七月晦，到焉耆，去城二十里，正營大澤中。廣出不意，大恐，乃欲悉驅其人共入山保。焉耆左候元孟先嘗質京師，密遣使以事告超，超即斬之，示不信用。乃期大會諸國王，因揚聲當重加賞賜，於是焉耆王廣、尉犁王汎及北鞬支等三十人相率詣超。其國相腹久等十七人懼誅，皆亡入海，而危須王亦不至。坐定，超怒詰廣曰：「危須王何故不到？腹久等所緣逃亡？」遂叱吏士收廣、汎等於陳睦故城斬之，傳首京師。因縱兵鈔掠，斬首五千餘級，獲生口萬五千人，馬畜牛羊三十餘萬頭，更立元孟為焉耆王。超留焉耆半歲，慰撫之。於是西域五十餘國悉皆納質內屬焉。

明年，下詔曰：「往者匈奴獨擅西域，寇盜河西，永平之末，城門晝閉。先帝深愍邊萌嬰羅寇害，乃命將帥擊右地，破白山，臨蒲類，取車師，城郭諸國震慴響應，遂開西域，置都護。而焉耆王舜、舜子忠獨謀悖逆，持其險隘，覆沒都護，并及吏士。先帝重元元之命，憚兵役之興，故使軍司馬班超安集于窴以西。超遂踰蔥領，迄縣度，出入二十二年，莫不賓從。改立其王，而綏其人。不動中國，不煩戎士，得遠夷之和，同異俗之心，而致天誅，蠲宿恥，以報將士之讎。司馬法曰：『賞不踰月，欲人速睹為善之利也。』其封超為定遠侯，邑千戶。」

超自以久在絕域，年老思土。十二年，上疏曰：「臣聞太公封齊，五世葬周，狐死首丘，代馬依風。夫周齊同在中土千里之閒，況於遠處絕域，小臣能無依風首丘之思哉？蠻夷之俗，畏壯侮老。臣超犬馬齒殲，常恐年衰，奄忽僵仆，孤魂棄捐。昔蘇武留匈奴中尚十九年，今臣幸得奉節帶金銀護西域，如自以壽終屯部，誠無所恨，然恐後世或名臣為沒西域。臣不敢望到酒泉郡，但願生入玉門關。臣老病衰困，冒死瞽言，謹遣子勇隨獻物入塞。及臣生在，令勇目見中土。」而超妹同郡曹壽妻昭亦上書請超曰：

妾同產兄西域都護定遠侯超，幸得以微功特蒙重賞，爵列通侯，位二千石。天恩殊絕，誠非小臣所當被蒙。超之始出，志捐軀命，冀立微功，以自陳效。會陳睦之變，道路隔絕，超以一身轉側絕域，曉譬諸國，因其兵眾，每有攻戰，輒為先登，身被金夷，不避死亡。賴蒙陛下神靈，且得延命沙漠，至今積三十年。骨肉生離，不復相識。所與相隨時人士眾，皆已物故。超年最長，今且七十。衰老被病，頭髮無黑，兩手不仁，耳目不聰明，扶杖乃能行。雖欲竭盡其力，以報塞天恩，迫於歲暮，犬馬齒索。蠻夷之性，悖逆侮老，而超旦暮入地，久不見代，恐開姦宄之源，生逆亂之心。而卿大夫咸懷一切，莫肯遠慮。如有卒暴，超之氣力不能從心，便為上損國家累世之功，下棄忠臣竭力之用，誠可痛也。故超萬里歸誠，自陳苦急，延頸踰望，三年於今，未蒙省錄。

妾竊聞古者十五受兵，六十還之，亦有休息不任職也。緣陛下以至孝理天下，得萬國之歡心，不遺小國之臣，況超得備侯伯之位，故敢觸死為超求哀，饨超餘年。一得生還，復見闕庭，使國永無勞遠之慮，西域無倉卒之憂，超得長蒙文王葬骨之恩，子方哀老之惠。《詩》云：「民亦勞止，汔可小康，惠此中國，以綏四方。」超有書與妾生訣，恐不復相見。妾誠傷超以壯年竭忠孝於沙漠，疲老則便捐死於曠野，誠可哀憐。如不蒙救護，超後有一旦之變，冀幸超家得蒙趙母、衛姬先請之貸。妾愚戇不知大義，觸犯忌諱。書奏，帝感其言，乃徵超還。

超在西域三十一歲。十四年八月至洛陽，拜為射聲校尉。超素有匈脅疾，既至，病遂加。帝遣中黃門問疾，賜醫藥。其年九月卒，年七十一。朝廷愍惜焉，使者弔祭，贈賵甚厚。子雄嗣。

初，超被徵，以戊己校尉任尚為都護。與超交代。尚謂超曰：「君侯在外國三十餘年，而小人猥承君後，任重慮淺，宜有以誨之。」超曰：「年老失智，任君數當大位，豈班超所能及哉！必不得已，願進愚言。塞外吏士，本非孝子順孫，皆以罪過徙補邊屯。而蠻夷懷鳥獸之心，難養易敗。今君性嚴急，水清無大魚，察政不得下和。宜蕩佚簡易，寬小過，總大綱而已。」超去後，尚私謂所親曰：「我以班君當有奇策，今所言平平耳。」尚至數年，而西域反亂，以罪被徵，如超所戒。

有三子。長子雄，累遷屯騎校尉。會叛羌寇三輔，詔雄將五營兵屯長安，就拜京兆尹。雄卒，子始嗣，尚清河孝王女陰城公主。主順帝之姑，貴驕淫亂，與嬖人居帷中，而召始入，使伏床下。始積怒，永建五年，遂拔刃殺主。帝大怒，腰斬始，同產皆棄巿。超少子勇。

勇字宜僚，少有父風。永初元年，西域反叛，以勇為軍司馬。與兄雄俱出敦煌，迎都護及西域甲卒而還。因罷都護。後西域絕無漢吏十餘年。

元初六年，敦煌太守曹宗遣長史索班將千餘人屯伊吾，車師前王及鄯善王皆來降班。後數月，北單于與車師後部遂共攻沒班，進擊走前王，略有北道。鄯善王急，求救於曹宗，宗因此請出兵五千人擊匈奴，報索班之恥，因復取西域。鄧太后召勇詣朝堂會議。先是公卿多以為宜閉玉門關，遂棄西域。勇上議曰：「昔孝武皇帝患匈奴彊盛，兼總百蠻，以逼障塞。於是開通西域，離其黨與，論者以為奪匈奴府藏，斷其右臂。遭王莽篡盜，徵求無猒，胡夷忿毒，遂以背叛。光武中興，未遑外事，故匈奴負彊，驅率諸國。及至永平，再攻敦煌，河西諸郡，城門晝閉。孝明皇帝深惟廟策，乃命虎臣，出征西域，故匈奴遠遁，邊境得安。及至永元，莫不內屬。會閒者羌亂，西域復絕，北虜遂遣責諸國，備其逋租，高其價直，嚴以期會。鄯善、車師皆懷憤怨，思樂事漢，其路無從。前所以時有叛者，皆由牧養失宜，還為其害故也。今曹宗徒恥於前負，欲報雪匈奴，而不尋出兵故事，未度當時之宜也。夫要功荒外，萬無一成，若兵連禍結，悔無及已。況今府藏未充，師無後繼，是示弱於遠夷，暴短於海內，臣愚以為不可許也。舊敦煌郡有營兵三百人，今宜復之，復置護西域副校尉，居於敦煌，如永元故事。又宜遣西域長史將五百人屯樓蘭，西當焉耆、龜茲徑路，南彊鄯善、于窴心膽，北扞匈奴，東近敦煌。如此誠便。」

尚書問勇曰：「今立副校尉，何以為便？又置長史屯樓蘭，利害云何？」勇對曰：「昔永平之末，始通西域，初遣中郎將居敦煌，後置副校於車師，既為胡虜節度，又禁漢人不得有所侵擾。故外夷歸心，匈奴畏威。今鄯善王尤還，漢人外孫，若匈奴得志，則尤還必死。此等雖同鳥獸，亦知避害。若出屯樓蘭，足以招附其心，愚以為便。」長樂衛尉鐔顯、廷尉綦母參、司隸校尉崔據難曰：「朝廷前所以棄西域者，以其無益於中國而費難供也。今車師已屬匈奴，鄯善不可保信，一旦反覆，班將能保北虜不為邊害乎？」勇對曰：「今中國置州牧者，以禁郡縣姦猾盜賊也。若州牧能保盜賊不起者，臣亦願以要斬保匈奴之不為邊害也。今通西域則虜埶必弱，虜埶必弱則為患微矣。孰與歸其府藏，續其斷臂哉！今置校尉以扞撫西域，設長史以招懷諸國，若棄而不立，則西域望絕。望絕之後，屈就北虜，緣邊之郡將受困害，恐河西城門必復有晝閉之儆矣。今不廓開朝廷之德，而拘屯戍之費，若北虜遂熾，豈安邊久長之策哉！」太尉屬毛軫難曰：「今若置校尉，則西域駱驛遣使，求索無猒，與之則費難供，不與則失其心。一旦為匈奴所迫，當復求救，則為役大矣。」勇對曰：「今設以西域歸匈奴，而使其恩德大漢，不為鈔盜則可矣。如其不然，則因西域租入之饒，兵馬之眾，以擾動緣邊，是為富仇讎之財，增暴夷之埶也。置校尉者，宣威布德，以繫諸國內向之心，以疑匈奴覬覦之情，而無財費耗國之慮也。且西域之人無它求索，其來入者，不過稟食而已。今若拒絕，埶歸北屬，夷虜并力以寇并、涼，則中國之費不止千億。置之誠便。」於是從勇議，復敦煌郡營兵三百人，置西域副校尉居敦煌。雖復羈縻西域，然亦未能出屯。其後匈奴果數與車師共入寇鈔，河西大被其害。

延光二年夏，復以勇為西域長史，將兵五百人出屯柳中。明年正月，勇至樓蘭，以鄯善歸附，特加三綬。而龜茲王白英猶自疑未下，勇開以恩信，白英乃率姑墨、溫宿自縛詣勇降。勇因發其兵步騎萬餘人到車師前王庭，擊走匈奴伊蠡王於伊和谷，收得前部五千餘人，於是前部始復開通。還，屯田柳中。

四年秋，勇發敦煌、張掖、酒泉六千騎及鄯善、疏勒、車師前部兵擊後部王軍就，大破之。首虜八千餘人，馬畜五萬餘頭。捕得軍就及匈奴持節使者，將至索班沒處斬之，以報其恥，傳首京師。永建元年，更立後部故王子加特奴為王。勇又使別校誅斬東且彌王，亦更立其種人為王，於是車師六國悉平。

其冬，勇發諸國兵擊匈奴呼衍王，呼衍王亡走，其眾二萬餘人皆降。捕得單于從兄，勇使加特奴手斬之，以結車師匈奴之隙。北單于自將萬餘騎入後部，至金且谷，勇使假司馬曹俊馳救之。單于引去，俊追斬其貴人骨都侯，於是呼衍王遂徙居枯梧河上。是後車師無復虜跡，城郭皆安。唯焉耆王元孟未降。

二年，勇上請攻元孟，於是遣敦煌太守張朗將河西四郡兵三千人配勇。因發諸國兵四萬餘人，分騎為兩道擊之。勇從南道，朗從北道，約期俱至焉耆。而朗先有罪，欲徼功自贖，遂先期至爵離關，遣司馬將兵前戰，首虜二千餘人。元孟懼誅，逆遣使乞降，張朗徑入焉耆受降而還。元孟竟不肯面縛，唯遣子詣闕貢獻。朗遂得免誅。勇以後期，徵下獄，免。後卒于家。

梁慬字伯威，北地弋居人也。父諷，歷州宰。永元元年，車騎將軍竇憲出征匈奴，除諷為軍司馬，令先齎金帛使北單于，宣國威德，其歸附者萬餘人。後坐失憲意，髡輸武威，武威太守承旨殺之。竇氏既滅，和帝知其為憲所誣，徵慬，除為郎中。

慬有勇氣，常慷慨好功名。初為車騎將軍鄧鴻司馬，再遷，延平元年拜西域副校尉。慬行至河西，會西域諸國反叛，攻都護任尚於疏勒。尚上書求救，詔慬將河西四郡羌胡五千騎馳赴之，慬未至而尚已得解。會徵尚還，以騎都尉段禧為都護，西域長史趙博為騎都尉。禧、博守它乾城。它乾城小，慬以為不可固，乃譎說龜茲王白霸，欲入共保其城，白霸許之。吏人固諫，白霸不聽。慬既入，遣將急迎禧、博，合軍八九千人。龜茲吏人並叛其王，而與溫宿、姑墨數萬兵反，共圍城。慬等出戰，大破之。連兵數月，胡眾敗走，乘勝追擊，凡斬首萬餘級，獲生口數千人，駱駝畜產數萬頭，龜茲乃定。而道路尚隔，檄書不通。歲餘，朝廷憂之。公卿議者以為西域阻遠，數有背叛，吏士屯田，其費無已。永初元年，遂罷都護，遣騎都尉王弘發關中兵迎慬、禧、博及伊吾盧、柳中屯田吏士。

二年春，還至敦煌。會眾羌反叛，朝廷大發兵西擊之，逆詔慬留為諸軍援。慬至張掖日勒。羌諸種萬餘人攻亭候，殺略吏人。慬進兵擊，大破之，乘勝追至昭武，虜遂散走，其能脫者十二三。及至姑臧，羌大豪三百餘人詣慬降，並尉譬遣還故地，河西四郡復安。

慬受詔當屯金城，聞羌轉寇三輔，迫近園陵，即引兵赴擊之，轉戰武功美陽關。慬臨陣被創，不顧，連破走之，盡還得所掠生口，獲馬畜財物甚眾，羌遂奔散。朝廷嘉之，數璽書勞勉，委以西方事，令為諸軍節度。

三年冬，南單于與烏桓大人俱反。以大司農何熙行車騎將軍事，中郎將龐雄為副，將羽林五校營士，及發緣邊十郡兵二萬餘人，又遼東太守耿夔率將鮮卑種眾共擊之，詔慬行度遼將軍事。龐雄與耿夔共擊匈奴奧鞬日逐王，破之。單于乃自將圍中郎將耿种於美稷，連戰數月，攻之轉急，种移檄求救。明年正月，慬將八千餘人馳往赴之，至屬國故城，與匈奴左將軍、烏桓大人戰，破斬其渠帥，殺三千餘人，虜其妻子，獲財物甚眾。單于復自將七八千騎迎攻，圍慬。慬被甲奔擊，所向皆破，虜遂引還虎澤。三月，何熙軍到五原曼柏，暴疾，不能進，遣龐雄與慬及耿种步騎萬六千人攻虎澤。連營稍前，單于惶怖，遣左奧鞬日逐王詣慬乞降，慬乃大陳兵受之。單于脫帽徒跣，面縛稽顙，納質。會熙卒于師，即拜慬度遼將軍。龐雄還為大鴻臚。雄，巴郡人，有勇略，稱為名將。

明年，安定、北地、上郡皆被羌寇，穀貴人流，不能自立。詔慬發邊兵迎三郡太守，使將吏人徙扶風界。慬即遣南單于兄子優孤塗奴將兵迎之。既還，慬以塗奴接其家屬有勞，輒授以羌侯印綬，坐專擅，徵下獄，抵罪。明年，校書郎馬融上書訟慬與護羌校尉龐參，有詔原刑。語在龐參傳。

會叛羌寇三輔，關中盜賊起，拜慬謁者，將兵擊之。至湖縣，病卒。

何熙字孟孫，陳國人。少有大志。永元中，為謁者。身長八尺五寸，善為威容，贊拜殿中，音動左右。和帝偉之，擢為御史中丞，歷司隸校尉、大司農。及在軍臨歿，遺言薄葬。三子：臨，瑾，阜。臨、瑾並有政能。阜俊才早沒。臨子衡，為尚書，以正直稱，坐訟李膺等下獄，免官，廢于家。

論曰：時政平則文德用，而武略之士無所奮其力能，故漢世有發憤張膽，爭膏身於夷狄以要功名，多矣。祭肜、耿秉啟匈奴之權，班超、梁慬奮西域之略，卒能成功立名，享受爵位，薦功祖廟，勒勳于後，亦一時之志士也。

贊曰：定遠慷慨，專功西遐。坦步蔥、雪，咫尺龍沙。慬亦抗憤，勇乃負荷。

Source Colophon

The Classical Chinese source body was extracted from the local source-text page Good Works Library Ready/Scythian/Expansion Bench 2026-05-11/Hou Han Shu -- Ban Chao and Liang Jin -- Classical Chinese Source Text.md and copied for this translation pass at Tulku/Tools/scythian/sources/expansion_bench_2026-05-11/hou_han_shu_ban_liang_chinese_source_manual98.txt.

The local source page identifies its inspection route as Chinese Text Project, CTP URN ctp:hou-han-shu/ban-liang-lie-zhuan.

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