佛祖統紀 38.3

38.3

From the Zhou and Qin dynasties down to the Six Dynasties, the world has considered them to hold the orthodox lineage. As for the Northern Wei, Qi, and Zhou, although they did not form a single continuous succession, they resided in the Central Plains for generations and widely practiced rites and music; calling them the Northern Dynasties does not treat them with contempt as the Five Barbarians of the Jin were treated. Although the Sui received the abdication of the Zhou, it was truly capable of unifying the realm and continuing the orthodox calendar of the Chen. This is the subtle intent of those who write history. Furthermore, regarding the two teachings in northern history, the waxings and wanings, growths and declines, were connected with much indeed; therefore, they are presented side-by-side here to serve as illumination.