法苑珠林 78.57

78.57

Pei Zhi of the Liang followed his youngest uncle, Shuye, entering the north from Southern Yanzhou. He served the Yuan clan [of Northern Wei], reaching the rank of Minister. Zhi's paternal cousin's husband, Wei Boding, was learned; relying on his vigor and spirit, and considering himself talented and wise, he constantly slighted Zhi. Zhi hated him like an enemy. Later, in Luoyang, [Boding] falsely accused Zhi of plotting a deposition and enthronement. Zhi was condemned to death for this. A hundred days or so later, Boding fell ill; speaking into the empty air, he said, 'Minister Pei's death was not brought about by me alone; why are you so angry?' Shortly thereafter, he died. As for Wanniu Yuzhong, he was a northern frontier man who served Northern Wei as Cavalier Regular Attendant and Commander of the Army. Relying on Emperor Ming's favor, he monopolized power at court. Guo Zuo, Vice Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and Pei Zhi, Minister of the Secretariat, jointly advised Yong, Prince of Gaolingyang, to send Zhong out [of the capital]. When Zhong heard of this, he pressured the relevant officials to falsely memorialize their crimes, forged an edict, and had them both executed. The court and the provinces were indignant and resentful, with everyone gnashing their teeth. Within two years, [Zhong] fell ill, saw Pei and Guo acting as haunting specters, and soon died. (The above ten verifications are taken from the Mingxiang ji.)