宋高僧傳 16.9

16.9

The appraisal states: Are not the words and deeds of Master Qingche rather too brief? The response is: 'Where detail or brevity has evidence, it is called a veritable record. In ancient times, could the Grand Scribe have not wished to expand upon the affairs of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors? It was simply that before Tang and Yu, historical records were pure and brief, so how could later generations expound upon them? That it is not richly copious here is due to this. It is also like the practice of not recording what has not been announced [in death notices]. Wherever there is an imbalance between detail and brevity, reprimand and reproach must be dispelled.'