Yelü Xiuge (耶律休哥)

Overview

Yelü Xiuge was a Liao general, yuyue, and regent of Nanjing.

Other names

Type	English	Chinese	Pinyin
Courtesy name	Xunning	遜寧	Xùnníng

Life and dates

Death

AD 998 統和十六年十二月丙戌朔
Directly stated · History of Liao 14, passage 243
AD 998 十六年
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 166

Attested activity

AD 998 統和十六年十二月丙戌朔
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 14, passage 243
AD 979 乾亨元年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 9, passage 56; History of Liao 83, passages 8-9
AD 983 統和元年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 10, passages 14, 109; History of Liao 71, passages 219-220
AD 983 統和初
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 85, passage 100
AD 992 統和十年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 80, passages 42, 48
AD 998 十六年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 83, passage 166

Show 14 more source-backed claims

AD 980 二年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 9, passage 79
AD 980 明年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 83, passages 24, 26
AD 982 乾亨四年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 10, passage 209
AD 986 統和四年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 11, passage 14; History of Liao 83, passages 35, 37
AD 986 統和四年前後
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 88, passage 85
AD 988 統和六年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 12, passage 24
AD 989 七年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 83, passages 60-61
AD 989 統和七年
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 12, passages 137, 164, 172
AD 979 乾亨初
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 84, passage 15
AD 969 應歷末
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 83, passage 7
AD 986 休哥敗曹彬
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 104, passage 48
AD 973 保寧五年
Directly stated · History of Liao 8, passage 74
AD 979 滿城之役
Dated from the passage context · History of Liao 74, passage 123
AD 979 to AD 998 齊名休哥
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 96, passage 194

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Child of Wansi (綰思)
father 父 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 4
Parent of Gao Ba (高八)
son 子 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 68
Parent of Gao Shi (高十)
son 子 · paternal line
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passages 68-69
Ancestor of Mage (馬哥)
grandson 孫 · paternal line · 2 generations
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 70
Descendant of Jundeshi (勻德實)
descended from 係出
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 66, passage 230
Parent of Daoshinu (道士奴)
son 子
Directly stated · History of Liao 14, passage 92

Kinship Role sons · Count 2
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 68

Key source chapters

Career and standing

Northern Court Great King 北院大王
AD 980 二年 · Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 79
vanguard commander-in-chief 先鋒都統
AD 986 統和四年 · Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 166
Tiyi 惕隱
AD 969 應歷末 · Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 7
Great King of the Northern Court 北院大王
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 23
Nanjing regent 南京留守
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 14
overseer of Yuancheng 提點元城
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 93

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Southern Route camp commander-in-chief 南面行營總管
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 14
Southern Route campaign commander-in-chief 南面行軍都統
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 209
Yuyue 於越
Appointed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 32
Nanjing regent 南京留守
AD 986 統和四年 · Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 93
yuyue 於越
AD 986 統和四年 · Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 14
garrison commander of Nanjing 留守南京
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 80, passage 48
Northern Route great king 北院大王
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 209
tithen 惕隱
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 8, passage 74; History of Liao 9, passage 67
yuyue 于越
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 66, passage 194; History of Liao 71, passage 219
yuyue 於越
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 209; History of Liao 14, passage 92
King of Song 宋國王
Enfeoffed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 53
exemption from bowing and from naming 免拜、不名
Bestowed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 62
yuyue 於越
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 137
yuyue 於越
AD 980 二年 · Invested
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 101
King of Song 宋國王
AD 986 統和四年 · Enfeoffed
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 84
Song King 宋國王
Held
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 29; History of Liao 14, passage 243

Places and affiliations

Polity Id liao · Relation Belonged to
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 66, passage 194
Polity Id liao · Relation Served
Strongly inferred · History of Liao 8, passage 74; History of Liao 96, passage 194
Polity Id liao · Relation Served
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 56; History of Liao 10, passage 209; History of Liao 11, passage 14; History of Liao 12, passage 24; History of Liao 14, passages 92, 243; History of Liao 71, passage 219; History of Liao 80, passage 48; History of Liao 83, passages 6-7; History of Liao 84, passage 15; History of Liao 96, passage 198
At Nanjing 南京 · Relation Posted to
Directly stated · History of Liao 10, passage 14
At southern frontier 南邊 · Relation Posted to
Directly stated · History of Liao 71, passage 219

Works and attributed material

career record compiled by Mengjian 行事
Relation Subject of
Directly stated · History of Liao 104, passage 87
Reported Song invasion
AD 986 統和四年 · Memorial · Author
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 14
AD 988 統和六年三月己未
Memorial · Author · With Emperor Shengzong of Liao (遼聖宗)
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 24
Memorial · Author
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passages 54-55
Speech · Speaker · With Han Kuangsi (韓匡嗣) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · History of Liao 74, passages 125-126
Speech · Speaker · Quote true
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passages 16-17

Events and relationships

Banqueted and rewarded
AD 979 乾亨元年 · Court · Honoree
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 72
Defeated Cao Bin with five detachments
Military · Commander · Mode quotation Speaker Yelü Zhao (耶律昭)
Directly stated · History of Liao 104, passage 48
Defeated Song at Waqiao
AD 980 二年 · Military · Commander · At Waqiao 瓦橋
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passages 96-98
Defeated Tangut
AD 973 保寧五年正月 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · History of Liao 8, passage 74
Defeated
AD 979 乾亨元年 · Military · Commander · At Gaoliang River 高梁河 · With Yelü Xiezhen (耶律斜軫)
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passages 10-11
Defeated
AD 986 統和四年 · Military · Commander · With Cao Bin (曹彬)
Directly stated · History of Liao 11, passage 69

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Defeated
AD 989 統和七年六月 · Military · Commander · At Taizhou 泰州
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 172
Defeated
Military · Commander · With Li Xing (李興) · At Changcheng Pass 長城口
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 75
Entrusted with southern frontier
Military · Commander · With Empress Ruizhi (睿智皇后)
Directly stated · History of Liao 71, passage 219
Flank routed Song
AD 979 乾亨元年 · Military · Commander · At Gaoliang River 高梁河
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 56
Intercepted song
AD 979 乾亨初 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · History of Liao 84, passage 15
Killed
Military · Commander · With Zhang Shi (張師)
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 26
Performed rebirth rite
Ritual · Participant
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 137
Southern campaign
AD 979 乾亨元年 · Military · Commander
Directly stated · History of Liao 9, passage 67
Relation Fame peer of · Person Yelü Renxian (耶律仁先)
Directly stated · History of Liao 96, passage 194

Assessments and attributes

Assessment far-reaching strategist who never killed an innocent · Mode historian-judgment
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passages 65-67
Assessment standard of fame with which Renxian is compared · Mode historian-judgment · With Yelü Renxian (耶律仁先)
Directly stated · History of Liao 96, passage 194
AD 989 統和七年三月戊子
Item red pearl thread 紅珠筋線 · Relation Bestowed
Directly stated · History of Liao 12, passage 137
Item imperial horse and golden bowl 御馬、金盂 · Relation Bestowed
Directly stated · History of Liao 83, passage 31

Source notes

Historicity historical
Directly stated · History of Liao 8, passage 74; History of Liao 14, passages 92, 243

References in the histories

Search passages

History

105 passages

History of Liao, Chapter 8Volume 8 Annals 8: Jingzong 1 · 1 passage

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五年春正月甲子，惕隱休哥伐党項，破之，以俘獲之數來上。 In the fifth year, on jiazi day in the first spring month, tithen Xiuge attacked the Tangut, routed them, and reported the number of captives taken.

History of Liao, Chapter 9Volume 9 Annals 9: Jingzong 2 · 7 passages

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休哥、斜軫橫擊，大敗之。 Xiuge and Xiezhen then struck from the flank and routed the Song army.

九月己卯，燕王韓匡嗣為都統，南府宰相耶律沙為監軍，惕隱休哥、南院大王斜軫、權奚王抹只等各率所部兵南伐； On jimao day in the ninth month Prince of Yan Han Kuangsi was named commander-in-chief, Southern Court chancellor Yelü Sha army supervisor, and tithen Xiuge, Southern Court Great King Xiezhen, acting Xi King Mochi, and others were each ordered south with their commands;

十一月戊寅，宴賞休哥及有功將校。 On wuyin day in the eleventh month Xiuge and other officers who had earned merit were banqueted and rewarded.

丁亥，以惕隱休哥為北院大王，前樞密使賢適封西平郡王。 On dinghai day tithen Xiuge was appointed Northern Court Great King, and former Commissioner of Military Affairs Xianshi was enfeoffed Prince of Xiping commandery.

壬寅，休哥敗宋兵於瓦橋東，守將張師引兵出戰，休哥奮擊，敗之。 On renyin day Xiuge routed Song east of Waqiao; when the garrison commander Zhang Shi sallied forth, Xiuge attacked fiercely and put his force to flight.

戊申，宋兵陣於水南，休哥涉水擊破之，追至莫州，殺傷甚眾。 On wushen day Song drew up south of the river; Xiuge waded across, shattered their line, and pursued to Mozhou, inflicting heavy casualties.

十二月庚午朔，休哥拜於越。 On the gengwu new moon of the twelfth month Xiuge was invested as yuyue.

History of Liao, Chapter 10Volume 10 Annals 10: Shengzong 1 · 9 passages

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以南院大王勃古哲總領山西諸州事，北院大王、於越休哥為南面行軍都統，奚王和朔奴副之，同政事門下平章事蕭道寧領本部軍駐南京。 Southern Route great king Boguzhe was placed in overall charge of the western circuits; Northern Route great king and yuyue Xiuge was made Southern Route campaign commander-in-chief, with Xi King Heshuonu as his deputy; co-chancellor under the Gate Xiao Daoning led his own army in garrison at Nanjing.

丙子，以於越休哥為南京留守，仍賜南面行營總管印綬，總邊事，渤海撻馬解裏以受先帝厚恩，乞殉葬，詔不許，賜物以旌之。 On bingzi day yuyue Xiuge was appointed Nanjing regent and given the seal and cord of Southern Route camp commander-in-chief to oversee the frontier; Bohai tamasa Jieli, who had received the late emperor's great kindness, begged to follow him in death; the court refused but rewarded him with gifts.

戊寅，遣使賜於越休哥及奚王籌寧、統軍使頗德等湯藥。 On wuyin day envoys were dispatched with medicinal broth for yuyue Xiuge, Xi King Chouning, circuit military commissioner Pide, and others.

命懇篤持送休哥下車榜，以諭燕民。 Ken Du was ordered to carry and post Xiuge's proclamation on alighting from his carriage, to reassure the people of Yan.

壬午，涿州刺史安吉奏宋築城河北，詔留守於越休哥撓之，勿令就功。 On renwu day Anji, prefect of Zhuo, reported that Song was building fortifications north of the Yellow River; an edict ordered regent yuyue Xiuge to thwart the work and prevent its completion.

己丑，南京奏，聞宋多聚糧邊境及宋主將如臺山，詔休哥嚴為之備。 On jichou day Nanjing reported that Song was stockpiling grain on the frontier and that the Song emperor would soon visit Mount Tai; an edict ordered Xiuge to prepare defenses strictly.

癸亥，以於越休哥在南院過用吏人，詔南大王毋相循襲。 On guihai day, because yuyue Xiuge had overused clerks in the Southern Court, an edict warned the Southern Court Great King not to follow suit.

乙巳，詔於越休哥提點元城。 On yisi day an edict put yuyue Xiuge in charge of Yuancheng.

乙未，以燕京留守於越休哥言，每歲諸節度使貢獻，如契丹官例，止進鞍馬，從之。 On yiwei day, acting on memorial from yuyue Xiuge, regent of Yanjing, that circuit commissioners should follow Khitan precedent and present only saddles and horses as annual tribute, the court agreed.

History of Liao, Chapter 11Volume 11 Annals 11: Shengzong 2 · 26 passages

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三月甲戌，於越休哥奏宋遣曹彬、崔彥進、米信由雄州道，田重進飛狐道，潘美、楊繼業雁門道來侵，岐溝、涿州、固安、新城皆陷。 In the third month, on jiaxu day, yuyue Xiuge reported that Song had sent Cao Bin, Cui Yanjin, and Mi Xin by the Xiongzhou route, Tian Chongjin by the Feihu route, and Pan Mei and Yang Jiye by the Yanmen route to invade; Qigou, Zhuo Prefecture, Gu'an, and Xincheng had all fallen.

詔宣徽使蒲領馳赴燕南，與休哥議軍事； An edict ordered Commissioner of the Palace Attendants Puling to ride at once to southern Yan to consult with Xiuge on military affairs;

分遣使者征諸部兵益休哥以擊之； envoys were sent separately to levy troops from the various divisions to reinforce Xiuge and strike the invaders;

丙子，統軍使耶律頗德敗宋軍於固安，休哥絕其糧餉，擒將吏，獲馬牛、器仗甚眾。 On bingzi day army commander Yelü Pide routed the Song army at Gu'an; Xiuge cut off their supplies, captured officers, and seized vast numbers of horses, cattle, and weapons.

丁亥，以北院樞密使耶律斜軫為山西兵馬都統，以北院宣徽使蒲領為南征都統，以副於越休哥。 On dinghai day Northern Court Commissioner of Military Affairs Yelü Xiezhen was made overall commander of Shanxi horses and troops, Northern Court Commissioner of the Palace Attendants Puling was made overall commander of the southern campaign, and both served as deputies to yuyue Xiuge.

癸巳，賜林牙謀魯姑旗鼓四、劍一，率禁軍之驍銳者南助休哥。 On guisi day yulin Molugu was granted four sets of flags and drums and one sword, and ordered to lead the elite of the forbidden army south to assist Xiuge.

壬寅，遣抹只、謀魯姑、勤德等領偏師以助休哥，仍賜旗鼓、杓窊印撫諭將校。 On renyin day Mojie, Molugu, Qinde, and others were ordered to lead detached forces to assist Xiuge, and were again granted flags and drums and the Shaowa seal to reassure the officers.

癸卯，休哥復以捷報，上以酒脯祭天地。 On guimao day Xiuge again reported victory; the Emperor offered wine and dried meat in sacrifice to heaven and earth.

宋將曹彬、米信北渡拒馬河，與於越休哥對壘，挑戰，南北列營長六七里。 Song generals Cao Bin and Mi Xin crossed the Juma River to the north and faced yuyue Xiuge in camp, challenging battle; the opposing camps stretched six or seven li north and south.

甲寅，詔於越休哥、奚王籌寧、宣徽使蒲領、南北二王等嚴備水道，無使敵兵得潛至涿州。 On jiayin day an edict ordered yuyue Xiuge, Xi King Chouning, Commissioner of the Palace Attendants Puling, the Northern and Southern Court kings, and others to guard the waterways strictly so that enemy troops could not slip through to Zhuo Prefecture.

乙卯，休哥等敗宋軍，獻所獲器甲、貨財，賜詔褒美。 On yimao day Xiuge and the others routed the Song army, presented captured armor, weapons, and goods, and received an edict of commendation.

己未，休哥、蒲領來朝，詔三司給軍前夏衣布。 On jiwei day Xiuge and Puling came to court; an edict ordered the Three Departments to supply summer clothing cloth to the armies at the front.

休哥、蒲領奏宋兵奔逃者皆殺之。 Xiuge and Puling reported that all Song soldiers caught in flight were killed.

癸未，休哥、籌寧、蒲奴寧進俘獲。 On guiwei day Xiuge, Chouning, and Pununing presented captives.

丙戌，禦元和殿，大宴從軍將校，封休哥為宋國王，加蒲領、籌寧、蒲奴寧及諸有功將校爵賞有差。 On bingxu day the court attended at Yuanhe Hall and held a great banquet for the officers who had followed the campaign; Xiuge was enfeoffed King of Song; Puling, Chouning, Pununing, and other meritorious officers received titles and rewards according to rank.

丁亥，發南京，詔休哥備器甲，儲粟，侍秋大舉南征。 On dinghai day the court left Nanjing; an edict ordered Xiuge to ready armor and weapons, store grain, and wait until autumn for a major southern campaign.

甲辰，詔南京留守休哥遣炮手西助斜軫。 On jiachen day an edict ordered Nanjing regent Xiuge to send artillerymen west to assist Xiezhen.

詔詳穩轄麥室傳其首於越休哥，以示諸軍，仍以朔州之捷宣諭南京、平州將吏。 An edict ordered xiangwen Xia Maishi to carry the head to yuyue Xiuge for display to the armies and to announce the Shuozhou victory to the officers of Nanjing and Pingzhou.

壬子，詔以敕榜付於越休哥，以南征諭拒馬河南六州。 On renzi day an edict ordered an imperial patent delivered to yuyue Xiuge to announce the southern campaign to the six prefectures south of the Juma River.

丁丑，以休哥為先鋒都統。 On dingchou day Xiuge was appointed vanguard commander-in-chief.

癸巳，涉沙河，休哥來議事。 On guisi day they crossed the Sha River, and Xiuge came to discuss military affairs.

詔休哥、排亞等議軍事。 An edict ordered Xiuge, Paiya, and others to discuss military affairs.

十二月己亥，休哥敗宋軍於望都，遣人獻俘。 On jihai day in the twelfth month Xiuge defeated the Song army at Wangdu and sent men to present prisoners.

壬寅，營於滹沱北，詔休哥以騎兵絕宋兵，毋令入邢州； On renyin day the army encamped north of the Hutuo; an edict ordered Xiuge to use cavalry to cut off the Song army and keep it from entering Xingzhou;

甲辰，詔南大王與休哥合勢進討，宰相安寧領迪離部及三克軍殿。 On jiachen day an edict ordered the Southern Great King to join Xiuge in a combined advance and Chancellor Anning to command the Dilie division and the Three Ke armies as rear guard.

丙午，詔休哥以下入內殿，賜酒勞之。 On bingwu day an edict summoned Xiuge and his subordinates into the inner hall and granted them wine in reward.

History of Liao, Chapter 12Volume 12 Annals 12: Shengzong 3 · 11 passages

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三月己未，休哥奏宋事宜，上親覽之。 On jiwei day in the third month Xiuge reported on affairs with Song; the Emperor read the memorial himself.

戊戌，幸宋國王休哥第。 On wuxu day the Emperor visited the residence of Song King Xiuge.

賜休哥、排亞部諸軍戰馬。 War horses were granted to the armies under Xiuge and Paiya.

戊午，休哥與排亞、裊裏曷捉生，將至易州，遇宋兵，殺其指揮使而還。 On wuwu day Xiuge, Paiya, and Niaolige went out to take prisoners; nearing Yi Prefecture they met Song troops, killed their commander, and withdrew.

休哥遣詳穩意德裏獻所獲宋諜者。 Xiuge sent xiangwen Yideli with captured Song spies.

癸未，進軍長城口，宋定州守將李興以兵來拒，休哥擊敗之，追奔五六里。 On guiwei day the army advanced to Changcheng Pass; Song Ding Prefecture commander Li Xing met them with troops; Xiuge routed him and pursued the fugitives five or six li.

己酉，休哥獻黃皮室詳穩徇地莫州所獲馬二十匹，士卒二十人。 On jiyou day Xiuge presented twenty horses and twenty soldiers captured by Huangpishi xiangwen Xundi while scouting Mo Prefecture.

休哥獻奚詳穩耶魯所獲宋諜。 Xiuge turned in Song spies taken by Xi xiangwen Yelu.

戊子，賜於越宋國王紅珠筋線，命入內神帳行再生禮，皇太后賜物甚厚。 On wuzi day yuyue Song King was granted red pearl thread and ordered to enter the inner spirit tent to perform the rebirth rite; the Empress Dowager gave lavish gifts.

休哥引軍至滿城，招降卒七百餘人，遣使來獻，詔隸東京。 Xiuge led his army to Mancheng, recruited more than seven hundred surrendering soldiers, and sent envoys to present them; an edict ordered them assigned to Eastern Capital.

是月，休哥、排亞破宋兵於泰州。 That month Xiuge and Paiya defeated Song troops at Taizhou.

History of Liao, Chapter 14Volume 14 Annals 14: Shengzong 5 · 2 passages

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十二月丙戌朔，宋國王休哥薨，輟朝五日。 On the bingxu new moon of the twelfth month Song King Xiuge died, and court was suspended for five days.

十一月壬辰，故於越耶律休哥之子道士奴、高九等謀叛，伏誅。 On renchen day of the eleventh month Daoshinu, son of the late yuyue Yelü Xiuge, and Gao Jiu and others plotted rebellion and were executed.

History of Liao, Chapter 66Volume 66 Tables 4: Imperial Family · 1 passage

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于越休哥。 Xiuge, yuyue.

History of Liao, Chapter 71Volume 71 Biographies 1: Empresses and Consorts · 1 passage

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於是后與斜軫、德讓參決大政，委於越休哥以南邊事。 Thereupon the empress joined Xiezhen and Derang in deciding major state affairs and entrusted southern frontier matters to Yelu Xiuge as yuyue.

History of Liao, Chapter 74Volume 74 Biographies 4: Yelu Dila, Xiao Hendu, Kang Moji, Han Yanhui, Han Zhigu · 3 passages

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匡嗣與南府宰相沙、惕隱休哥侵宋，軍於滿城。 Kuangsi joined Southern Chancellor Yelu Sha and tithen Xiuge in an incursion against Song and encamped at Mancheng.

匡嗣欲納之，休哥曰：「彼軍氣甚銳，疑誘我也。 Kuangsi wanted to accept; Xiuge said: "Their morale is too high—they mean to bait us.

眾既奔，遇伏兵扼要路，匡嗣棄旗鼓遁，其眾走易州山，獨休哥收所棄兵械，全軍還。 As the army broke, ambushers blocked the retreat; Kuangsi abandoned his standards and fled, his troops scattering into the Yizhou hills; only Xiuge recovered the abandoned arms and brought his command safely back.

History of Liao, Chapter 80Volume 80 Biographies 10: Zhang Jian, Xing Baopu, Ma Dechen, Xiao Pu, Yelu Eight Brothers · 1 passage

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及耶律休哥留守南京，又多滯獄，復詔抱樸平決之，人無冤者。 When Yelü Xiuge held Nanjing in garrison and again accumulated many cases in arrears, an edict once more ordered Baopu to settle them, and no one was left wronged.

History of Liao, Chapter 83Volume 83 Biographies 13: Yelu Xiuge, Yelu Xiezhen, Yelu Xidi, Yelu Xuegu · 31 passages

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耶律休哥 Yelu Xiuge

耶律休哥，字遜寧。 Yelu Xiuge, whose courtesy name was Xunning.

休哥少有公輔器。 Even in youth Xiuge showed the makings of a chief minister.

初烏古、室韋二部叛，休哥從北府宰相蕭幹討之。 When the Ugu and Shiwei tribes first rebelled, Xiuge accompanied Northern Court Chancellor Xiao Gan to suppress them.

帝命休哥代奚底，將五院軍往救。 The emperor ordered Xiuge to replace Xidi and march to the relief with the armies of the Five Corps.

追殺三十餘里，斬首萬餘級，休哥被三創。 The pursuit ran more than thirty li, and heads numbered above ten thousand; Xiuge himself took three wounds.

明旦，宋主遁去，休哥以創不能騎，輕車追至涿州，不及而還。 At dawn the Song ruler fled. Too badly wounded to ride, Xiuge pursued in a light cart as far as Zhuozhou but could not catch up and turned back.

休哥率本部兵從匡嗣等戰於滿城。 Xiuge led his own troops to join Kuangsi and fought at Mancheng.

休哥曰：「彼眾整而銳，必不肯屈，乃誘我耳。 Xiuge said, "Their ranks are tight and their troops are keen—they will never truly yield; this is a ruse.

休哥引兵憑高而視。 Xiuge drew his men up on high ground to watch.

休哥整兵進擊，敵乃卻。 Xiuge reformed his lines and pressed forward, and only then did the enemy fall back.

帝親督戰，休哥斬師，餘眾退走入城。 The emperor personally directed the battle; Xiuge killed Zhang Shi, and the survivors fled back into the city.

將戰，帝以休哥馬介獨黃，慮為敵所識，乃賜玄甲、白馬易之。 Before battle the emperor saw that Xiuge's horse wore a distinctive yellow saddle cloth that might mark him to the enemy, so he gave him black armor and a white horse in exchange.

休哥率精騎渡水，擊敗之，追至莫州。 Xiuge led crack cavalry across the river, routed them, and pursued as far as Mozhou.

師還，拜於越。 When the army returned, he was appointed Yuyue.

聖宗即位，太后稱制，令休哥總南面軍務，以便宜從事。 When Emperor Shengzong ascended the throne and the empress dowager assumed regency, Xiuge was placed in overall charge of southern military affairs with full discretion.

休哥均戍兵，立更休法，勸農桑，修武備，邊境大治。 Xiuge equalized the garrisons, instituted rotation and rest for the troops, promoted farming and sericulture, and strengthened defenses until the borderlands were thoroughly settled.

時北南院、奚部兵未至，休哥力寡，不敢出戰。 The armies of the Northern and Southern Courts and the Xi tribes had not yet arrived, and with his small force Xiuge did not dare to offer battle.

休哥以輕兵薄之，伺彼蓐食，擊其離伍單出者，且戰且卻。 Xiuge harassed them with light troops, striking men who left the ranks alone at mealtimes, fighting and giving ground by turns.

彼力窮，環糧車自衛，休哥圍之。 With their strength spent, they circled their grain wagons for protection; Xiuge surrounded them.

太后旋旆，休哥收宋屍為京觀。 As the empress dowager turned homeward, Xiuge heaped the Song dead into a victory mound.

封宋國王。 He was enfeoffed as King of Song.

及太后南征，休哥為先鋒，敗宋兵於望都。 On the empress dowager's southern campaign, Xiuge served as vanguard and defeated the Song at Wangdu.

休哥聞之，先以兵扼其要地。 Xiuge heard of this and preemptively seized the key positions.

獨休哥率銳卒逆擊於沙河之北，殺傷數萬，獲輜重不可計，獻於朝。 only Xiuge led crack troops to meet them north of the Sha River, killing and wounding tens of thousands and capturing baggage beyond count, all of which he presented at court.

時宋人欲止兒啼，乃曰：「於越至矣！」 In Song, mothers hushed crying infants by saying, "The Yuyue is here!"

休哥以燕民疲弊，省賦役，恤孤寡，戒戍兵無犯宋境，雖馬牛逸於北者悉還之。 Seeing the people of Yan worn out and impoverished, Xiuge reduced taxes and corvée labor, cared for widows and orphans, and ordered the garrison not to violate Song territory; even cattle and horses that strayed north were all sent back.

休哥智略宏遠，料敵如神。 Xiuge's plans were far-reaching and he read the enemy as if by divination.

對曰：「臣每旦誦太祖、太宗及先臣遺訓，未暇奉佛。」 He answered, "Each morning I recite the precepts left by Taizu, Taizong, and my late forebear; I have had no time for Buddhism."

及高梁之戰，與耶律休哥分左右翼夾擊，大敗宋軍。 At the battle of Gaoliang he and Yelu Xiuge took the left and right wings in a pincer attack and routed the Song army.

休哥奮擊於高梁，敵兵奔潰； Xiuge struck hard at Gaoliang and the enemy broke and fled;

History of Liao, Chapter 84Volume 84 Biographies 14: Yelu Sha, Yelu Mozhi, Xiao Gan, Yelu Shanbu, Yelu Haili · 5 passages

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遇耶律休哥及斜軫等邀擊，敗宋軍。 but then Yelu Xiuge, Xiezhen, and others cut across their path and routed the Song army.

宋乘銳攻燕，將奚兵翊休哥擊敗之。 The Song, emboldened by their momentum, thrust into Yan; Mozhi led Xi troops to assist Yelu Xiuge and routed them.

及車駕臨幸，抹只與耶律休哥逆戰於涿之東，克之，遷開遠軍節度使。 When the emperor arrived on inspection, Mozhi and Yelu Xiuge gave battle east of Zhuo, carried the day, and Mozhi was transferred to Military Commissioner of Kaiyuan Army.

耶律沙退走，幹與耶律休哥等並力戰敗之，上手敕慰勞。 Yelu Sha had already fallen back, but Gan joined Yelu Xiuge and others in a combined assault that broke the enemy; the emperor sent a personal edict of commendation.

論曰：當高梁、朔州之捷，偏裨之將如沙與抹只，既因休哥、斜軫類見其功，所謂失之東隅，收之桑榆。 The historian remarks: At the victories at Gaoliang and Shuozhou, subordinate commanders such as Sha and Mozhi, having through the likes of Xiuge and Xiezhen come to have their merit recognized, exemplify what is called losing at dawn yet making good the loss at dusk.

History of Liao, Chapter 85Volume 85 Biographies 15: Xiao Talin, Xiao Guanyinnu, Yelu Tizi, Yelu Xieli, Yelu Nugua, Xiao Liu, Gao Xun, Xi Heshuonu, Xiao Taliege, Yelu Sahe · 2 passages

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統和初，皇太后稱制，以耶律休哥領南邊事，和朔奴為南面行軍副部署。 Early in Tonghe, under the Empress Dowager's regency, Yelu Xiuge took charge of the southern frontier while Heshuonu was made Deputy Commander of the Southern Field Army.

四年，宋曹彬、米信等來侵，和朔奴與休哥破宋兵於燕南，手詔褒美。 In the fourth year, when Song generals Cao Bin, Mi Xin, and others invaded, Heshuonu and Yelu Xiuge routed the Song army south of Yan, and the emperor sent them a personal edict of commendation.

History of Liao, Chapter 88Volume 88 Biographies 18: Xiao Dilie, Yelu Pennu, Xiao Paiya, Yelu Zizhong, Yelu Yaozhi, Yelu Honggu, Gao Zheng, Yelu Delu, Da Kangyi · 1 passage

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會宋將曹彬、米信侵燕，耶律休哥與恒德議軍事，多見信用，為東京留守。 When the Song generals Cao Bin and Mi Xin invaded Yan, Yelü Xiuge and Hengde deliberated on military affairs. Hengde was often trusted and made regent of the Eastern Capital.

History of Liao, Chapter 96Volume 96 Biographies 26: Yelu Renxian, Yelu Liang, Xiao Hanjianu, Xiao De, Xiao Weixin, Xiao Leyinnu, Yelu Dilie, Yao Jingxing, Yelu Asi · 2 passages

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議者以為自於越休哥之後，惟仁先一人而已。 Commentators held that since Yelu Xiuge as yuyue, Renxian alone had been such a man.

仁先齊名休哥，勛德兼備，此其一節歟！ Renxian ranks with Yelu Xiuge in fame; merit and virtue together complete — is this not one proof of it!

History of Liao, Chapter 104Volume 104 Biographies 34: Literature 2 · 2 passages

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故謝玄以八千破苻堅百萬，休哥以五隊敗曹彬十萬。 Thus Xie Xuan with eight thousand routed Fu Jian's million, and Xiuge with five detachments defeated Cao Bin's hundred thousand.

乃編耶律曷魯、屋質、休哥三人行事以進。 Thereupon he compiled the career records of Yelü Helu, Wuzhi, and Xiuge and presented them to the throne.