《新唐书·列传·卷十九》
当其有功之时，即使贪财好色，也蒙爵邑之赏；如其无功，虽勤俭清廉，也不免斩首之刑。
当其有功也，虽贪财纵欲，尚蒙爵邑；其无功也，虽勤躬洁己，不免鈇钺。
When they had made contributions, even if they were greedy and lustful, they would still receive noble titles and rewards. If they had no achievements, even if they were diligent and honest, they would still not avoid the death penalty.