《资治通鉴·唐纪·唐纪五十二》
夜间，大家来到刘南金处，打算拥戴他出任主帅，刘南金说： 出任节度使，固然是我所愿意的。然而，如果不是由天子任命的，那就不合适了。难道军队中就没有别的将领可以拥戴了吗？ 
夜，造刘南金，欲奉以为帅，南金曰： 节度使固我所欲，然非天子之命则不可，军中岂无它将乎！
At night, everyone came to Liu Nanjin, intending to support him as the commander-in-chief. Liu Nanjin said: Of course, I am willing to become the Jiedushi. However, if it is not appointed by the emperor, it is not appropriate. Are there no other generals in the army who can be supported?