Account of Funan (LS54)
[And other lands even further away.
Funan was located at the southern coast of what is now Cambodia and Vietnam, the great river referred to must be the Mekong.
Dunxun is presumably southern parts of modern Myanmar.]
Account of the Eastern Barbarians (LS54)
[百濟: Middle Chinese: *Paek-tsej, Standard Chinese: Bǎijì, Korean: Baekje, had quite extensive contact with Jiankang through seaborn travel.
[新羅: Middle Chinese: *Sin-la, Standard Chinese: Xīnluó, Korean: Silla, was probably the least known Korean kingdom to Six Dynasties China.
[倭: Middle Chinese: *'Wa, Standard Chinese: Wō, Japanese: Wa in more recent centuries has been used as a rather derogatory name for Japan. However this might not have been the case during the Six Dynasties when Japan was after all a remote and little known land in China.
A lot of this material derive from the Sanguozhi, and so was not exactly new when the Liangshu was written.
Also, please don't eat people even if their flesh is delicious.]
Account of Central Tianzhu (LS54)
天竺, Middle Chinese *Then-trjuwk, Standard Chinese Tiānzhú, and 身毒, Middle Chinese *'Jwien-dowk, Standard Chinese Yuāndú, both derive from Iranian Hinduka and ultimately from Sanskrit Sindhu. As such these names have the same etymological origin as India.
師子, Middle Chinsee *Srij-tsi, Standard Chinese Shīzǐ, is the Sinhala kindom on Sri Lanka.
Accounts of Qiuci and Yutian (LS54)
The state of 龜茲, Middle Chinese *Khjuw-dzi, Standard Chinese Qiūcí, now Kucha, was located on the northern side of the Tarim basin.
The state of 于闐, Middle Chinese *Hju-den, Standard Chinese Yútián, now Hotan or Khotan, was located on the south-western of the Tarim basin.
Beside their central locations on the Silk Road, both kindoms were centers for Buddhist learning and served a key role in that religion's spread into China.
Pictures ambassadors taken from Song copy of the Portraits of Periodical Offering of Liang (Beiti and Qiuci), Tang The Gathering of Kings (c. 650 AD) (Beiti, Qiuci, and Yutian), and the Southern Tang Entrance of the Foreign Visitors of Emperor Yuan of Liang (mid 10th century)(Beiti, Qiuci, and Yutian)
(Scans taken from Wikipedia)
bookofjin reblogged
JTS01, Biography of Gaozu (Part 1)
(My first translation, so I may well have got things wrong. When I finish translating Gaozu's biography I'll put it together and post it on my Wordpress)
The Exalted Founder (gaozu), Divine Great Sage Great Glorious Filial (shenyao dasheng daguang xiao) August Emperor's surname was Li, taboo Yuan. His ancestors were Di people of Longxi, Prince Wuzhao of Liang Gao's seventh-generation descendant (Prince Wuzhao of Liang was a ruler in the Sixteen Kingdoms period).
高祖神堯大聖大光孝皇帝姓李氏，諱淵。其先隴西狄道人，涼武昭王暠七代孫也。
Gao begot Xin. Xin begot Chong'er, (who) served in the government of (Northern) Wei as Governor of Hongnong Prefecture. Chong'er begot Xi, who was Brigadier-General of Jinmen, who led outstanding men to pacify Wuchuan, thus his family was there. In Yifeng (an era name of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Gaozu's grandson), was posthumously honoured as Widespread August Emperor. Xi begot Tianxi, who served in the government of (Northern) Wei as Master of Banners. Achieved great command, was bestowed as Sikong. In Yifeng, was honoured as Glorious August Emperor.
暠生歆。歆生重耳，仕魏為弘農太守。重耳生熙，為金門鎮將，領豪傑鎮武川，因家焉。儀鳳中，追尊宣皇帝。熙生天錫，仕魏為幢主。大統中，贈司空。儀鳳中，追尊光皇帝.
The Imperial Ancestor's taboo (was) Hu, (was) Later Wei (Western Wei?)'s Supervisor, conferred as Duke of Longxi Commandery, accompanied Emperor Wen of Zhou (Yuwen Tai) with Grand Protector Li Bi, Minister of War Dugu Xin, etc. because of merits in participating as a subordinate was conferred, (they) were at the time known as the "Eight Pillars of the State", (Hu) was bestowed the surname of Daye.
皇祖諱虎，後魏左僕射，封隴西郡公，與周文帝及太保李弼、大司馬獨孤信等以功參佐命，當時稱為“八柱國家”，仍賜姓大野氏。
When Zhou received abdication (Emperor Wen of Sui came to the throne), (Hu) was posthumously conferred the title of Duke of Tang, posthumous name Xiang. When Emperor Wen of Sui was chancellor, their old surname (Li) was restored. At the beginning of Wude (Gaozu's era name), was posthumously honoured as Revered August Emperor, temple name Grand Founder (taizu), tomb in Yongkang.
周受禪，追封唐國公，諡曰襄。至隋文帝作相，還復本姓。武德初，追尊景皇帝，廟號太祖，陵曰永康。
The Imperial Deceased Father's taboo was Bing, was in charge of (Northern) Zhou's An Province, General-In-Chief of the (Eight) Pillars, inherited the title of Duke of Tang, posthumous name Ren. At the beginning of Wude, was posthumously honoured as Fundamental August Emperor, temple name Generational Ancestor (shizu), tomb in Xingning.
皇考諱昞，周安州總管、柱國大將軍，襲唐國公，諡曰仁。武德初，追尊元皇帝，廟號世祖，陵曰興寧。
Gaozu was born in the first year of Tianhe (one of Yuwen Yong's era names) in Chang'an, inherited the title of Duke of Tang at seven years old (by East Asian age reckoning). Growing up, he was outstanding and magnanimous, headstrong and sincere, generous, benevolent, and forgiving to the public. No matter if noble or lowly, all obtained his friendship. Sui accepted (Zhou)'s abdication, supplied one thousand cows personally. Emperor Wen's Empress Dugu was his maternal aunt, because of this was especially beloved (by Emperor Wen?), accumulated and conveyed as Regional Inspector of the three provinces of Qiao, Long and Qi.
高祖以周天和元年生於長安，七歲襲唐國公。及長，倜儻豁達，任性真率，寬仁容眾，無貴賤鹹得其歡心。隋受禪，補千牛備身。文帝獨孤皇后，即高祖從母也，由是特見親愛，累轉譙、隴、岐三州刺史。
Had a history of being virtuous and benevolent to others, (Emperor Wen?) called Gaozu and said:
"Your Honour's character is extraordinary, your heart has the appearance of a leader, I hope (you have) self-respect, do not forget my humble words."
Gaozu because of this was slightly conceited. At the beginning of Daye (Emperor Yang of Sui's era name), became Governor of the two commanderies of Xingyang and Loufan, recruited as lesser supervisor of the inner palace.
有史世良者，善相人，謂高祖曰：“公骨法非常，必為人主，願自愛，勿忘鄙言。”高祖頗以自負。大業初，為滎陽、樓煩二郡太守，征為殿內少監。
Ninth year (of Daye), promoted to lesser officer in the Commander of Palace Guards. In the Liaodong Campaign (Emperor Yang of Sui's expeditions in Goguryeo), supervised transportation and pacified Huaiyuan County. And Yang Xuangan rebelled, (Emperor Yang) decreed Gaozu move to a relay station to defend Honghua Commandery, and he knew and assisted in the affairs of all armies.
遼東之役，督運於懷遠鎮。及楊玄感反，詔高祖馳驛鎮弘化郡，兼知關右諸軍事.
Gaozu experienced many tests at home and abroad, and was simple and virtuous, he made many friendships with outstanding figures, and was close to numerous. At this time Emperor Yang was very suspicious of him, many suspected and feared him. An imperial decree summoned Gaozu to travel to (Emperor Yang)'s location, but did not go due to suffering from illness. At that time (Gaozu)'s niece Lady Wang was in (Emperor Yang)'s harem, the emperor asked her:
"Why is your maternal uncle late?"
Lady Wang responded that it was due to sickness, the emperor said:
"Could he die?"
高祖曆試中外，素樹恩德，及是結納豪傑，眾多款附。時煬帝多所猜忌，人懷疑懼。會有詔征高祖詣行在所，遇疾未謁。時甥王氏在後宮，帝問曰：“汝舅何遲？”王氏以疾對，帝曰：“可得死否？”
Gaozu heard this and it increased his fear, so drank excessively, became deeply immersed in drinking and bribery, so as to pass off his traces as this. In the eleventh year (of Daye), Emperor Yang favoured Fenyang Palace, ordered Gaozu to go to Shanxi and Hedong to disparage, punish and arrest (rebels). The troops arrived in Longmen, the traitors commanding (mothers and sons who followed them?) were numerous and thinly spread in cities.
高祖聞之益懼，因縱酒沉湎，納賄以混其跡焉。十一年，煬帝幸汾陽宮，命高祖往山西、河東黜陟討捕。師次龍門，賊帥母端兒帥眾數千薄於城下。
Gaozu used more than ten mounted soldiers to attack, shot seventy, all responded to the crossbow and fell, the traitors thus collapsed. In the twelfth year (of Daye), was promoted to Right Strong Guard General.
高祖從十余騎擊之，所射七十發，皆應弦而倒，賊乃大潰。十二年，遷右驍衛將軍。
Foundation and early history of Goguryeo
According to Liangshu and Weishu. The Liangshu account adapts the foundation myth found in the 1st century text Lunheng while the description of Goguryeo customs and history during Han times derive from the accounts found in Sanguozhi and Houhanshou, to the point that "the present" actualy refer to the 3rd century.
The much longer version of the foundation story found in Weishu is pretty close to the text found in the Samguk Sagi.
The reader is invited to make comparisons with the stories of Romulus of Rome, Cyrus of Persia, Houji of Zhou, etc., etc.
bookofjin reblogged
Biography of Shi Le, Part Two
Dove into translating Shi Le's biography (Part Two) and decided to give it a literary twist. Aimed to keep it rich and engaging, not just a plain retelling. I played around with language and style to bring the era and Shi Le's vibe to life.
Would love to get your takes on this style. Does it work? Does it still feel true to Shi Le? Hit me with your thoughts!
Thanks!
bookofjin reblogged
Liu Bei and the Jade Man story from the Shiyi ji
The Shiyi Ji is a collection of supernatural stories and anecdotes compiled during the Six Dynasties period attributed to Wang Jia.
Liu Bei’s Empress Gan was from Pei. She was born into humble circumstances. A physiognomist in the village said, ‘This girl will later have high rank. Her rank will exceed that of a Gongyi concubine.’ When she grew up, her appearance was especially beautiful. When she reached eighteen, she had jade-like skin and tender flesh. Her attitude was bewitching and her countenance seductive. Liu Bei ordered her to go behind a gauze curtain. Those who gazed at her from outside the door thought she resembled gathered snow’ in the moonlight.
The region south of the Yellow River presented a jade man three feet tall. Liu Bei took the jade man and put him beside the queen. During the day he discussed military plans and at night then he embraced the queen and amused himself with the jade man. She always proclaimed that what is the honored virtue in jade is that its virtues are like that of a gentleman, so since it is in the shape of a man, how could it be played with.
The empress and the jade man were pure white and equally smooth of skin, so that those who looked at them were almost confused. The empress was not only jealous of the favorites, but was also envious of the jade man. The empress always wanted to destroy it and admonished Liu Bei saying, “In the past Zihan did not consider jade to be precious and the Spring and Autumn Annals admired him for it. Wu and Wei are not destroyed, how can you put seductive pleasures in your heart? Any kind of infatuation will raise doubts. Do not enter into this again. ” Liu Bei then cast aside the statue of the jade man, and the favorites all retired. At this time, the gentlemen presented a memorial in which they referred to Empress Gan as a Matron of Spiritual Wisdom.
Translation by Larry C. Foster, ‘The Shih-i chi and Its Relationship to the Genre Known as Chih-kuai hsiao-shuo’.
Growing foxtial millet, QMYS Section 3, Part 1
Continuing the Qimin yaoshu齊民要術 (“Essential Techniques for the Common People) by Jia Sixie (fl. c. 540). Advice for growing foxtail millet. Due to the length of this section, the translation will be divided into several posts. This post covers the introductionary dictionary definitions and Jia Sixie's own advice. Subsequent posts will cover the extensive quotations from earlier works.
bookofjin reblogged
Just finished translating some bits about Shi Le and wow, his life's like a live-action Mount & Blade saga. Seriously, you can't make this stuff up.
Where is my Eighteen Riders tv series?
bookofjin reblogged
Book of Jin Chapter 94. Hermits and Recluses
Follow me on X! 👇
More translations are always welcome! (Though I am not a fan of X, and have to say, not really of "AI" art.)
You've done a massive amount of translation! I have only skim-read parts so far. Just noticed an error where for Liu Kun's older brother Liu Yu, it says "Nephew to both Kun and Guo Yi, his renown was widespread." Kun and Yu were famous brothers, so it seems an obvious oversight. The translation should read more like "Yu, along with Kun, were both nephews of the shangshu Guo Yi."
Thanks so much for diving into the translation and for the keen eye! I've made the correction regarding Liu Yu and Liu Kun. feel free to drop any more insights or advice my way – it's super helpful!
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Biography of Liu Kun, Book of Jin
Collecting Seeds, QMYS Section 2
Continuing the Qimin yaoshu齊民要術 (“Essential Techniques for the Common People) by Jia Sixie (fl. c. 540). Advice for the selection, storage, and treatment of seed grain.
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Maps of the Three Kingdoms
Over the past few months, I embarked on a little adventure making 3K maps, and now that I have finished everything, I'm pretty excited to share all the maps!
The maps are based on The Historical Atlas of China map collection for the 3rd year of Jingyuan (262), with topography provided by digital elevation models from HydroSHEDS.
The problem with using modern topography on ancient maps is of course that sometimes labelled landforms do not match nicely to the local topography, since measurements may not be so precise in the past. I tried my best to correct when I could, but otherwise, I left them as it is when I couldn't find a clear possible correction (so don't be surprised to see some rivers flowing along mountain peaks!).
Tumblr compresses images quite a bit so for now the full collection (including overall and individual provinces) is on SOSZ here.
bookofjin reblogged
Great respect to the project you’re undertaking here.
I was wondering if you had any sources on Empress Wu of the Tang though? I’ve been researching her as part of my undergrad dissertation and have reached a road-block in the mention of the ‘Biographies of Notable Women’ 列女傳 or ‘Guidelines for Imperial Subjects’ 臣軌 allegedly worked on by some of her officials (the North Gate Scholars) c. 680s
The former [Biographies of Notable Women] seems similar to/the same as the original compiled by Liu Xiang c. 18BCE, as well as your translated extracts from Chapter 96 of the Book of Jin and other sections on exemplary women.
I’d love to know if there’s anything available regarding an English translation of either new/old Books of Tang too, and the Zizhi Tongjian, specifically volumes concerning or mentioning the Empress Wu or anything mentioning women and gender.
Regards!
Sorry, I haven't read very much about the Tang, so I can't really help you. Maybe @craftercat has some input?
It was common for imperial/important women to compile biographies of women. Empress Zhangsun also compiled biographies of notable women. I find what we have on these as good for evaluating society's general view of women. Unfortunately, I don't think we have either compilation available now.
If you're looking on views of women, the Book of Jin's biographies of exemplary women is actually useful as it was compiled by Li Shimin's officials with considerable input from him.
Guidelines for Imperial Subjects is a manual on how officials should behave, and it's more a reflection of what was considered ideal in an official at the time than her own thoughts. I think her 12 Suggestions could interest you as well, though it's a very typical petition for the time.
On the North Gate scholars, they were essentially a scholarly support base for Wu Zetian. They were ostensibly there to compile books for her, however they actually served as one of her support bases. She knew a lot of people wouldn't support a female emperor and she needed to find and entice those who would.
On translations, I would recommend Chinese Notes for the Books of Tang as it has a translation service. It doesn't have the Zizhi Tongjian though, so I have to work myself there.