绛侯周勃世家

The Marquis of Jiang, Zhou Bo, was a native of Pei. His ancestors came from Juan, but the family migrated to Pei. Zhou Bo made a living weaving straw mats for arrow quivers and playing the flute at funerals. He was exceptionally strong and skilled with a bow. When Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → first rose as the Duke of Pei, Zhou Bo served as a middle court attendant and fought at Huling and Fangyu. When Fangyu rebelled, he drove the enemy back. He then attacked Feng and struck the Qin forces east of Dang before returning through Liu and Xiao. He attacked Dang again and broke through, then took Xiayi, being the first to scale the walls. He was granted the fifth rank of nobility. He captured Meng and Yu, fought Zhang Han's cavalry at Dingtao—though his forces held the rear—and pacified the Wei territories. He took Maoqi and Dongmin, advancing all the way to Lisang. He attacked Nie Sang, was first to breach the walls, and struck the Qin forces at Ashang, routing them. He pursued them to Puyang and took Yanzhou. He conquered Dukang and Dingtao, secretly seized Wanqu and captured the magistrate of Danfu. By night he took Linji, attacked Zhang, and pressing forward to Juan, broke through. He struck Li You's forces at Yongqiu. He attacked Kaifeng and was among the first to reach the city walls. Later, when Zhang Han defeated and killed Xiang Liang, Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → and Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → led their forces east to Dang. From Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile →'s first uprising in Pei to arriving at Dang, a year and two months had passed.

The Chu King made Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → Duke of Anwu and Governor of Dang Commandery. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → appointed Zhou Bo as Tiger Guard Commander, ordering him to help pacify the Wei territories. He attacked the Eastern Province Warden at Chengwu and defeated him. He struck Wang Li's army and routed it. He captured Changshe, being first to scale the walls. He attacked Yingyang and Moushi, seizing the river crossing. He struck Zhao Ben's forces north of the corpse. Advancing south, he defeated the Nanyang Defender Yi, took Wuguan and Yaoguan, and defeated the Qin army at Lantian, advancing to Xianyang to end the Qin dynasty. When Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → arrived, he installed Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → as King of Han. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → granted Zhou Bo the title of Marquis of Weiwu. Zhou Bo followed the King into Hanzhong and was appointed General.

The Chu King made Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → Duke of Anwu and Governor of Dang Commandery. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → appointed Zhou Bo as Tiger Guard Commander, ordering him to help pacify the Wei territories. He attacked the Eastern Province Warden at Chengwu and defeated him. He struck Wang Li's army and routed it. He captured Changshe, being first to scale the walls. He attacked Yingyang and Moushi, seizing the river crossing. He struck Zhao Ben's forces north of the corpse. Advancing south, he defeated the Nanyang Defender Yi, took Wuguan and Yaoguan, and defeated the Qin army at Lantian, advancing to Xianyang to end the Qin dynasty. When Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → arrived, he installed Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → as King of Han. Liu BangLiu BangEmperor Gaozu of HanA village drunkard with no education and no family name — who somehow outlasted every rival to establish the greatest dynasty in Chinese history.View profile → granted Zhou Bo the title of Marquis of Weiwu. Zhou Bo followed the King into Hanzhong and was appointed General.

Returning to pacify the Three Qins, he arrived at Qinchuan and was granted a fief in Huande. He attacked Huairi and Haozhi, achieving the highest distinction. He struck Zhao Ben and the Interior Secretary at Xianyang, again achieving the highest distinction. He advanced north to attack Qi and struck the forces of Zhang Ping and Yao Yang. He pacified the west to Qian and returned to take Mei and Pinyang, surrounding Zhang Han at Feiqiu. He defeated the Western Governor and struck the Da bandit forces. He conquered Shanggu and held the Yaoguan pass to the east. He turned to engage Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile →'s forces. He attacked Quyi, achieving the highest distinction. He returned to defend Aocang and pursued Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → until Xiang YuXiang YuHere's the translation of "The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World" into English: **The Warrior Who Almost Ruled the World**The most feared warrior in Chinese history — brilliant in battle, catastrophic in politics — whose stubborn nobility cost him an empire.View profile → died. He then moved east to pacify Chu's territories, taking twenty-two counties in all. He returned to defend Luoyang and Yueyang, receiving a fief shared with the Marquis of Ying at Zhongli. As a General, he followed the Emperor to defeat the rebel King of Yan, Zang Tao, defeating him at Yi. His soldiers were among the most distinguished on the imperial roads. He was granted the title of Marquis among the nobles, with a tally dividing the fief that would pass unbroken through generations. He received eight thousand one hundred and eighty households in Jiang and was titled Marquis of Jiang.

As a General, he followed the Emperor to attack the rebel King of Han, Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →, in Dai, subjugating Huoren. Advancing to Wuquan, he struck the Xiongnu cavalry and defeated them north of Wuquan. He turned to attack Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →'s forces at Tongdi and defeated them. Returning, he subjugated six cities in Taiyuan. He struck Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →'s Xiongnu cavalry at Jinyang and defeated them, taking Jinyang. Later he attacked Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →'s army at Shashi and defeated it, pursuing eighty li north. Returning, he attacked three cities of Loufan, striking the Xiongnu cavalry at Pingcheng; his soldiers were among the most distinguished on the imperial roads. Zhou Bo was promoted to Grand Commandant. He attacked Chen Xi, sacking Ma Yi. His soldiers beheaded Chen Xi's general Chengma Xi. He struck the forces of Han XinHan XinHere's the translation of "The General Who Won Three Empires" into English: **The General Who Conquered Three Empires** Alternatively, if you want a more literal translation: **The General Who Won Three Empires** Both are correct, but "conquered" might sound more natural in English depending on the context.From begging for meals at strangers' tables and enduring humiliation in the marketplace, to commanding a million troops—the greatest military genius of the early Han Dynasty, ultimately undone by his own emperor.View profile →, Chen Xi, and Zhao Li at Loufan and defeated them, capturing Chen Xi's generals Song Zui and the Yanmen Defender. He turned to take the Yunzhong Defender, the Chancellor, the Marquis of Ji, and the General Xun. He pacified seventeen counties in Yanmen and twelve in Yunzhong. He again attacked Chen Xi at Lingqiu and defeated him, beheading Chen Xi and capturing his Chancellor Cheng Zong, General Chen Wu, and the Commandant Gao Si. He pacified nine counties in Dai. When the Yan King Lu Wan rebelled, Zhou Bo, as Acting Chancellor, replaced Fan Kuai as commander, attacked and took Ji, captured Lu Wan's great general Di, the Chancellor Yan, the Defender Xing, the Grand Commandant Ruo, and the Censor Shi, sacking Dundu. He defeated Lu Wan's army at Duludu and again defeated it at Juyang, pursuing to the Great Wall. He pacified twelve counties in Shanggu, sixteen in Youbeiping, twenty-nine in Liaoxi and Liaodong, and twenty-two in Yuyang. Among those who followed the Emperor, he subdued one Acting Chancellor, two Chancellors, and three Generals and officials of two thousand bushels; separately, he destroyed two armies, took three cities, pacified five commanderies and seventy-nine counties, and captured one Chancellor and one Senior General.

Zhou Bo was straightforward and honest; the Emperor believed he could be entrusted with major affairs. He had no taste for literature, and whenever he summoned scholars or worthies, he would sit facing east and demand: "Tell me plainly." Such was his lack of refinement. When Zhou Bo had pacified Yan and returned, the Emperor was already dead. He served Emperor Hui as a marquis. In the sixth year of Emperor Hui's reign, the position of Grand Commandant was established, and Zhou Bo was appointed to it. Ten years later, Empress Dowager Lü died. Lü Yi, as King of Zhao, held the position of Supreme General of Han; Lü Chan, as King of Lü, held the position of Chancellor of Han, commanding the full power of the state and threatening to destroy the Liu clan. Zhou Bo, as Grand Commandant, could not enter the military camps; Chen Ping, as Chancellor, could not manage affairs. Thereupon Zhou Bo and Chen Ping plotted together and finally executed the Lü conspirators, installing Emperor Wen of Han. Their story is recorded in the accounts of Empress Dowager Lü and Emperor Wen.

The Marquis of Jiang returned to his fief. He died in the eleventh year of Emperor Wen's reign, receiving the posthumous title Marquis Wu. His son Zhou Shengzhi succeeded him as Marquis. After six years, he married the Princess, but they did not get along, and he was executed for murder; his title was abolished. A year later, Emperor Wen selected a worthy son of the Marquis of Jiang—the Riverward Administrator of Henei, Zhou Yafu—and enfeoffed him as Marquis of Tiao, continuing the legacy of the Marquis of Jiang.

When Zhou Yafu had not yet become a marquis but served as Riverward Administrator of Henei, Xu Fu examined his fortune and said: "Three years from now, you will become a marquis. Eight years later, you will be a General and Chancellor, holding the nation's power—most honored among men. Nine years after that, you will starve to death." Yafu laughed and said: "My brother already succeeded our father as marquis. If he should die, his son would inherit—why should I be a marquis? Yet you say I will be honored as you predict, so why also speak of starvation?" Xu Fu pointed to his mouth and said: "Lines extend from your mouth to the corners—this is the sign of starvation." Three years later, the Marquis of Jiang, Zhou Shengzhi, committed a crime. Emperor Wen, selecting worthy sons of the Marquis of Jiang, all recommended Yafu, and so Yafu was enfeoffed as Marquis of Tiao, continuing the legacy of the Marquis of Jiang.

When Zhou Yafu had not yet become a marquis but served as Riverward Administrator of Henei, Xu Fu examined his fortune and said: "Three years from now, you will become a marquis. Eight years later, you will be a General and Chancellor, holding the nation's power—most honored among men. Nine years after that, you will starve to death." Yafu laughed and said: "My brother already succeeded our father as marquis. If he should die, his son would inherit—why should I be a marquis? Yet you say I will be honored as you predict, so why also speak of starvation?" Xu Fu pointed to his mouth and said: "Lines extend from your mouth to the corners—this is the sign of starvation." Three years later, the Marquis of Jiang, Zhou Shengzhi, committed a crime. Emperor Wen, selecting worthy sons of the Marquis of Jiang, all recommended Yafu, and so Yafu was enfeoffed as Marquis of Tiao, continuing the legacy of the Marquis of Jiang.

Six years after Emperor Wen's reign, the Xiongnu invaded the northern border in force. The Imperial Clerk Liu Li was made General and encamped at Bawang; the Marquis of Huzi, Xu Li, was made General and encamped at Jimen; and the Riverward Administrator of Henei, Zhou Yafu, was made General and encamped at Xiliu to defend against the Xiongnu. The Emperor personally inspected the troops. At Bawang and Jimen, he drove straight through the camps, and the officers and men welcomed him on horseback. At Xiliu, however, the soldiers were armored, weapons were drawn, and bows were bent and full. The Emperor's advance guard arrived first but could not enter. The advance guard said: "The Son of Heaven is coming!" The gate officer replied: "The General has ordered: 'In the army, we obey the General's orders, not the Son of Heaven's commands.'" Shortly afterward, the Emperor arrived and still could not enter. Thereupon the Emperor sent an envoy with the tally to inform the General: "I wish to enter and inspect the troops." Yafu then ordered the gates opened. The gate officers told those in the accompanying carriages: "The General has commanded: no galloping in the camp." Thereupon the Emperor walked his horses slowly. Upon reaching the command tent, General Yafu held his weapons and saluted: "Armored men do not bow—please receive me by military custom." The Emperor was moved and changed expression; he leaned forward on the carriage rail. He sent someone to convey his respects: "The Emperor respectfully salutes the General." The ceremony complete, they departed.

Six years after Emperor Wen's reign, the Xiongnu invaded the northern border in force. The Imperial Clerk Liu Li was made General and encamped at Bawang; the Marquis of Huzi, Xu Li, was made General and encamped at Jimen; and the Riverward Administrator of Henei, Zhou Yafu, was made General and encamped at Xiliu to defend against the Xiongnu. The Emperor personally inspected the troops. At Bawang and Jimen, he drove straight through the camps, and the officers and men welcomed him on horseback. At Xiliu, however, the soldiers were armored, weapons were drawn, and bows were bent and full. The Emperor's advance guard arrived first but could not enter. The advance guard said: "The Son of Heaven is coming!" The gate officer replied: "The General has ordered: 'In the army, we obey the General's orders, not the Son of Heaven's commands.'" Shortly afterward, the Emperor arrived and still could not enter. Thereupon the Emperor sent an envoy with the tally to inform the General: "I wish to enter and inspect the troops." Yafu then ordered the gates opened. The gate officers told those in the accompanying carriages: "The General has commanded: no galloping in the camp." Thereupon the Emperor walked his horses slowly. Upon reaching the command tent, General Yafu held his weapons and saluted: "Armored men do not bow—please receive me by military custom." The Emperor was moved and changed expression; he leaned forward on the carriage rail. He sent someone to convey his respects: "The Emperor respectfully salutes the General." The ceremony complete, they departed.

Having left the camp, all the officials were astonished. The Emperor said: "Alas! This is a true general! The other day at Bawang and Jimen, it was mere child's play—their commanders could certainly have been captured. As for Yafu, can anyone dare to provoke him?" He praised him for a long time. After more than a month, the three armies were dismissed. Yafu was made Commandant of the Capital. When Emperor Wen was about to die, he instructed the Crown Prince: "In any emergency, Zhou Yafu can truly be entrusted with command." When Emperor Wen died, Yafu was made General of the Imperial Cavalry.

In the third year of Emperor Jing's reign, the rebellion of Wu and Chu erupted. Yafu, as Commandant of the Capital, was made Grand Commandant and sent east to attack Wu and Chu. He petitioned the Emperor: "The Chu forces are fierce and swift—difficult to confront directly. I request that we sacrifice Liang's territory, cutting off their supply lines; then we can defeat them." The Emperor approved. The Grand Commandant assembled troops at Xingyang. Wu was then attacking Liang; Liang was in dire straits and begged for relief. The Grand Commandant led his forces northeast toward Changyi, fortifying his position. Liang sent envoys daily requesting aid, but the Grand Commandant, holding to strategic advantage, would not go. Liang reported to Emperor Jing, who sent an envoy with an edict to relieve Liang. The Grand Commandant refused to obey, instead sending light cavalry and others to sever the supply lines behind the Wu and Chu forces. Wu's army, lacking provisions and hungry, repeatedly sought battle, but the Grand Commandant would not emerge. At night, the camp was thrown into confusion; soldiers attacked each other, the disorder spreading even to the Grand Commandant's tent. The Grand Commandant simply lay in bed and would not rise. After a while, the chaos subsided. Later, Wu attacked the southeast corner of the camp; the Grand Commandant ordered defenses to the northwest. Soon, elite troops did indeed advance from the northwest but could not break in. The Wu forces, now exhausted and hungry, withdrew. The Grand Commandant sent elite troops in pursuit and thoroughly defeated them. Wu's King, Pi, abandoned his army and fled with several thousand men to the south, securing a position at Dantu on the Yangtze. The Han forces, riding their victory, captured all, accepting the surrender of their troops and offering a thousand jin for Wu's King. After more than a month, local people beheaded Wu's King and reported it. Altogether, the campaign lasted three months, and Wu and Chu were pacified. Thereupon the generals recognized that the Grand Commandant's strategy had been correct. From this, the King of Liang and the Grand Commandant became estranged.

Returning, the position of Grand Commandant was reinstated. Five years later, Yafu was promoted to Chancellor, and Emperor Jing held him in high regard. When Emperor Jing deposed Crown Prince Li, the Chancellor firmly remonstrated but could not prevail. Emperor Jing thus grew distant from him. The King of Liang, at each audience, frequently spoke to Empress Dowager Dou of the Marquis's faults. The Empress Dowager said: "The Empress's brother, Wang Xin, could be enfeoffed as a marquis." Emperor Jing demurred: "The Marriages of Nanpi and Zhangwu were not enfeoffed by the Late Emperor; only after I ascended did I enfeoff them. Wang Xin has not yet received his title." The Empress Dowager said: "Rulers each act according to their own time. When Dou Changjun was alive, he never received a title; only after his death did his son Pengzu receive one. I have long regretted this. The Emperor should enfeoff Wang Xin!" The Emperor said: "I will discuss it with the Chancellor." The Chancellor considered it, and Yafu said: "The Late Emperor made a covenant: 'Only those of the Liu clan may be Kings; only those of merit may be Marquises. Whoever violates this shall be struck by all the realm.' Now Wang Xin, though the Empress's brother, has no merit; enfeoffing him would violate the covenant." Emperor Jing said nothing more and dropped the matter.

Returning, the position of Grand Commandant was reinstated. Five years later, Yafu was promoted to Chancellor, and Emperor Jing held him in high regard. When Emperor Jing deposed Crown Prince Li, the Chancellor firmly remonstrated but could not prevail. Emperor Jing thus grew distant from him. The King of Liang, at each audience, frequently spoke to Empress Dowager Dou of the Marquis's faults. The Empress Dowager said: "The Empress's brother, Wang Xin, could be enfeoffed as a marquis." Emperor Jing demurred: "The Marriages of Nanpi and Zhangwu were not enfeoffed by the Late Emperor; only after I ascended did I enfeoff them. Wang Xin has not yet received his title." The Empress Dowager said: "Rulers each act according to their own time. When Dou Changjun was alive, he never received a title; only after his death did his son Pengzu receive one. I have long regretted this. The Emperor should enfeoff Wang Xin!" The Emperor said: "I will discuss it with the Chancellor." The Chancellor considered it, and Yafu said: "The Late Emperor made a covenant: 'Only those of the Liu clan may be Kings; only those of merit may be Marquises. Whoever violates this shall be struck by all the realm.' Now Wang Xin, though the Empress's brother, has no merit; enfeoffing him would violate the covenant." Emperor Jing said nothing more and dropped the matter.

After Emperor Wen died, Zhou Yafu was appointed General of Chariots and Cavalry. In the third year of Emperor Jing, the states of Wu and Chu rebelled. Yafu, then Commandant of the Capital, was promoted to Grand Commandant and led troops east to attack Wu and Chu. He took the opportunity to propose to the emperor: 'The Chu soldiers are fierce and agile; it is hard to meet them head-on. I suggest using Liang as bait, cutting off their grain supply routes, and then we can subdue them.' The emperor agreed. When the Grand Commandant assembled his forces at Xingyang, Wu was attacking Liang, which was in urgent need and begged for rescue. The Grand Commandant instead led his army northeast to Changyi and dug in, strengthening his walls and holding fast. Liang sent envoys daily to implore the Grand Commandant, but he held to his strategic advantage and refused to go.

The Commandant of Justice accused him: "Does the Marquis intend to rebel?" Yafu replied: "The items I purchased are burial implements. How could that be called rebellion?" The official retorted: "Even if you are not rebelling above ground, you surely intend to rebel in the underworld." The officials pressed him with increasing urgency.

The Commandant of Justice accused him: "Does the Marquis intend to rebel?" Yafu replied: "The items I purchased are burial implements. How could that be called rebellion?" The official retorted: "Even if you are not rebelling above ground, you surely intend to rebel in the underworld." The officials pressed him with increasing urgency.

When the officials first came to arrest the Marquis of Wo, he had wanted to take his own life, but his wife stopped him. Because of this he did not die, and was taken into the custody of the Court of the Treasurer. He refused food for five days, spat blood, and died. The marquisate was abolished.

After a year had passed, Emperor Jing enfeoffed Jian, another son of the Marquis of Jiang, as Marquis of Pingqu to continue the line of the Jiang title. Nineteen years later he died and received the posthumous title Marquis Gong. His son Jiande succeeded to the title, and thirteen years afterward became Grand Tutor to the Heir Apparent. He was then stripped of his title for poor-quality tribute gold, and in the fifth year of Yuanding was found guilty, his marquisate abolished.

The Marquis of Wo did indeed starve to death.

The Grand Historian remarks: When Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jiang, was merely a commoner, he was a rough and simple man whose abilities were no greater than ordinary men. But when he followed the Gaozu Emperor to pacify the realm, serving in the highest military and civil posts, when the Lü clan sought to create chaos, it was Bo who rescued the state from peril and restored order. Even Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou could not have done more! Yafu's use of strategy, maintaining authority and grasping the sharp blade—how could general Ran Ju have surpassed him! Yet Yafu, self-satisfied and unwilling to learn, clung to his principles and refused to yield, and ended in poverty and distress. What a tragedy! The Marquis of Jiang assisted the Han, his nature honest and sincere. At first he attacked in the east of Dang, and also surrounded the enemy north of the battlefield. Whatever he attacked he conquered, whatever he punished he subdued. Chen Xi was captured and executed, and Zang Tu's rebellion was crushed. When matters were finished, he sent off the departed and gave credit to virtue. The marquises returned to their estates, yet the Grand Marshal was cast into prison. His son the Marquis of Wo succeeded him, continuing the fief at Pingqu. Alas for this worthy general—father and son both suffered disgrace!

The officials pressed him with ever greater urgency. Earlier, when the officials arrested Tiao Hou, Tiao Hou tried to take his own life, but his wife prevented him from dying, and so he was delivered to the commandant of justice. Then he refused food for five days and died vomiting blood. His fief was abolished. After one year's suspension, Emperor Jing re-enfeoffed Zhou Jian, another son of Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jiang, as Marquis of Pingqu to continue Zhou Bo's line. Jian died nineteen years later and was given the posthumous title Marquis Gong. His son Jiande inherited the marquisate; after thirteen years he became Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Because the gold he presented for the seasonal tribute was of poor quality, in the fifth year of the Yuanding reign (112 BC) he was charged with a crime and his fief was abolished. Tiao Hou indeed starved to death. After his death, Emperor Jing enfeoffed Wang Xin as Marquis of Gai. The Grand Historian remarks: 'When Zhou Bo, the Marquis of Jiang, was still a commoner, he was a rustic and simple man, his abilities no greater than ordinary. Yet later, when he followed Emperor Gaozu in pacifying the realm, he occupied the ranks of general and chancellor. When the Lü clan plotted rebellion, Bo rescued the state from disaster and restored its rightful order.'

Even men like Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou could hardly have done more! In directing troops, Yafu maintained a commanding and severe dignity, grasping sharp and steadfast weapons; even Rangju could not surpass him! Yet he was self-satisfied and refused to learn, clung to his principles but was unyielding, and in the end fell into disfavour and ruin. How sad indeed!

The Marquis of Jiang aided the Han; he was solid and honest, generous and sincere. He first struck east of Dang and also besieged north of Shixiang. Whatever he attacked he seized; whomever he campaigned against he vanquished. Chen Xi was executed, Zang Tu's kingdom overthrown. In serving the living and seeing off the dead, he yielded all credit and hid his virtue. Returning to his mansion as a full marquis, as Grand Commandant he was thrown into prison.

The Marquis of Tiao succeeded him as chancellor, and the hereditary fief was renewed at Pingqu. Alas, what a worthy commander! Father and son, one after the other, suffered disgrace!