Translation:Romance of the Three Kingdoms/Chapter 14

by Luo Guanzhong

第十四回

Chapter 14

曹孟德移駕幸許都　呂奉先乘夜襲徐郡

Cao Mengde has the emperor moved to the capital at Xu; Lü Fengxian launches a nighttime attack against Xu Commandery.

1

　　卻說李樂引軍詐稱李傕、郭汜來追車駕，天子大驚。楊奉曰：「此李樂也。」遂令徐晃出迎之，李樂親自出戰。兩馬相交，只一合，被徐晃一刀砍於馬下，殺散餘黨，保護車駕出箕關。太守張揚，具粟帛迎駕於軹道，帝封張揚為大司馬，揚辭帝屯兵野王去了。

Let us now turn to Li Yue, who had led his army in pursuit of the emperor's carriage, and who had falsely claimed that he was with Li jue and Guo Si. The emperor was shocked. Yang Feng said, "It's Li Yue." He then ordered Xu Huang to challenge him. Li Yue personally rode out into battle. The two horses engaged, but after only one round, he was cut down from his horse by Xu Huang's blade. Now coming under assault themselves, the rest of his band dispersed. And so, the emperor's carriage made its way through Ji Pass. Governor Zhang Yang met the emperor along the Zhi Road with gifts of grain and silk.^[1] The emperor made Zhang Yang Grand Marshal. Yang took his leave of the emperor in order to garrison his troops at Yewang.

2

　　帝入洛陽，見宮室燒盡，街市荒蕪，滿目皆是蒿草，宮院中只有頹牆壞壁，命楊奉且蓋小宮居住。百官朝賀，皆立於荊棘之中。詔改興平為建安元年。

When the emperor entered Luoyang, he saw that the imperial palace had been burnt to the ground and that the main thoroughfares were lying in waste. Everywhere he looked, he saw overgrown shrubbery. All that was left of the palace were dilapidated walls. He ordered Yang Feng to build a modest palace where he could reside. All of the officials performed ritual obeisance to the emperor amidst the brambles. The emperor issued a proclamation changing the era name from Xingping to the first year of Jian'an.^[2]

3

　　是歲又大荒。洛陽居民，僅有數百家，無可為食，盡去城中，剝樹皮掘草根食之。尚書郎以下，皆自出城樵採，多有死於頹牆壞壁之間者。漢末氣運之衰，無甚於此！後人有詩歎之曰：

It was a year of famine. The residents of Luoyang only numbered in the hundreds. They had nothing to eat. They all went into the center of town in order to strip bark from trees and dig up roots of herbs so that they could have something to eat. All court officials that held the rank of journeyman imperial secretary and below went out of the city to gather firewood.^[3] There were many that died amidst the dilapidated walls. In those final years of the decline, at the end of the Han Dynasty, it didn't get any worse than this! People of later generations had a poem that lamented this:

4

　　血流芒碭白蛇亡，赤幟縱橫遊四方。
　　秦鹿逐翻興社稷，楚騅推倒立封疆。
　　天王懦弱姦邪起，宗社凋零盜賊狂。
　　看到兩京遭難處，鐵人無淚也悽惶。

     Blood was spilled at Mount Mangdang, the white serpent having been killed; red banners spread across the land.^[4]
     The Qin emperor was overthrown, revitalizing the nation; the pale white horse of the Chu king was laid low and new borders were established.
     The heavenly king was weak and cowardly, allowing the rise of an evil minister; the nation went into decline, and the bandit rebels wreaked havoc.
     After seeing the depths of despair to which the two capitals had fallen,^[5] Even toughest of men became sad and afraid.

5

　　太尉楊彪奏帝曰：「前蒙降詔，未曾發遣。今曹操在山東，兵強將盛，可宣入朝，以輔王室。」帝曰：「朕前既降詔，卿何必再奏？今即差人前去便了。」彪領旨，即差使命赴山東，宣召曹操。

Grand Commandant Yang Biao petitioned the emperor, saying, "Previously, you had issued a decree that we have not yet implemented.^[6] Cao Cao is now located east of the mountains. He commands a formidable army. We could summon him to court so that he could help the royal family." The emperor said, "Since I have already issued a decree, there is no need to petition me again, is there? Just send someone and be done with it." Biao followed orders, and sent someone to the east of the mountains in order to summon Cao Cao to court.

6

　　卻說曹操在山東，聞知車駕已還洛陽，聚謀士商議。荀彧進曰：「昔晉文公納周襄王，而諸侯服從；漢高祖為義帝發喪，而天下歸心！今天子蒙塵，將軍誠因此時首倡義兵，奉天子以從眾望，不世之略也。若不早圖，人將先我而為之矣。」曹操大喜。正要收拾起兵，忽報有天使齎詔宣召。操接詔，剋日興師。

Let us now turn to Cao Cao, who had made his base to the east of the mountains. When he heard that the emperor had arrived in Luoyang, he gathered his advisors to discuss the matter. Xun Yu stepped forward, saying, "In the past, after Duke Wen of Jin acknowledged King Xiang of Zhou as ruler of the country, all of the other royals fell in line. Emperor Gaozu of Han held a funeral for Emperor Yi, thereby winning over the populace to his side! In our time, the Son of Heaven was forced to flee. If you could really use this as a pretext to raise an army and prop up the emperor in order to satisfy the expectations of the public, it would be an exceedingly rare and brilliant strategy. If you don't act quickly, someone else will get there before us." Cao Cao was overjoyed. He was just about to raise his army, when he suddenly received a report that an imperial envoy had delivered a decree summoning him to court. Cao received the decree, and set a date to amass his troops.

7

　　卻說帝在洛陽，百事未備，城郭崩倒，欲修未能。人報李傕、郭汜領兵將至。帝大驚，問楊奉曰：「山東之使未回，李、郭之兵又至，為之奈何？」楊奉、韓暹曰：「臣願與賊決死戰，以保陛下。」董承曰：「城郭不堅，兵甲不多，戰如不勝，當復如何？不若且奉駕往山東避之。」帝從其言，即日起駕望山東進發。百官無馬，皆隨駕步行。

Let us now turn to the emperor, who was in Luoyang. There were a million things that had not yet been done. The city's walls had collapsed. Even if they had wanted to fix them, they did not have the means. Somebody had reported that Li Jue and Guo Si were leading an army and would be there soon. The emperor was shocked. He asked Yang Feng, saying, "The envoy has not yet returned from the east of the mountains. What's more, the armies of Li and Guo will be here soon. What shall we do?" Yang Feng and Han Xian said, "We are willing to fight to the death with those traitors in order to protect Your Majesty." Dong Cheng said, "The city's walls will not withstand the onslaught. We do not have a lot of weapons or armor. If we fight them and lose, how will we ever restore the emperor to his rightful place? It would be better to escort the emperor to the east of the mountains, so that we may avoid them." The emperor went along with his suggestion. That day, they set out toward the east of the mountains. None of the court officials had horses, so they all walked on either side of the emperor's carriage.

8

　　出了洛陽，行無一箭之地，但見塵頭蔽日，金鼓喧天，無限人馬來到，帝后戰慄不能言。忽見一騎飛來，乃前差往山東之使命也；至車前拜啟曰：「曹將軍盡起山東之兵，應詔前來。聞李傕、郭汜犯洛陽，先差夏侯惇為先鋒，引上將十員，精兵五萬，前來保駕。」帝心方安。少頃，夏侯惇引許褚、典韋等，至駕前面君，俱以軍禮見。帝慰諭方畢，忽報正東又有一路軍到。帝即命夏侯惇往探之，回奏曰：「乃曹操步軍也。」

After departing Luoyang, they had not gone more than a stone's throw before spotting a cloud of dust that rose to the heavens. A cacophony of gongs and drums filled the air. Countless numbers of men and horses were approaching. The emperor and empress were terrified and could not speak. Suddenly, they saw someone galloping toward them. It was the imperial messenger that had been dispatched to the east of the mountains. When he arrived in front of the emperor's carriage, he paid obeisance, saying, "General Cao has raised an army from the east of the mountains. He is on his way here, in response to your decree. When he heard that Li Jue and Guo Si were attacking Luoyang, he sent Xiahou Dun ahead as the advance force, along with ten senior generals and 50,000 crack troops, to protect the emperor." It was only at this point that the emperor began to relax. After a while, Xiahou Dun brought some of his colleagues, such as Xu Chu and Dian Wei, before the emperor. They all gave the emperor a military salute upon seeing him. Immediately after the emperor finished saying kind words to them, a report came in that another army was arriving from the east. The emperor ordered Xiahou Dun to go and investigate. When he returned, he reported to the emperor, saying, "It is Cao Cao's infantry."

9

　　須臾，曹洪、李典、樂進來見駕。通名畢，洪奏曰：「臣兄知賊兵將近，恐夏侯惇孤力難為，故又差臣等倍道而來協助。」帝曰：「曹將軍真社稷臣也！」遂命護駕前行。探馬來報：「李傕、郭汜領兵長驅而來。」帝命夏侯惇分兩路迎之。惇乃與曹洪分為兩翼，馬軍先出，步軍後隨，儘力攻擊。傕、汜賊兵大敗，斬首萬餘。於是請帝還洛陽故宮，夏侯惇屯兵於城外。

Just then, Cao Hong, Li Dian and Yue Jin came to see the emperor. After the formal introductions were complete, Hong reported to the emperor, saying, "My elder brother knew that the rebels were fast approaching.^[7] He was afraid that Xiahou Dun would not be able to handle them by himself, so he sent us to come here on the double to assist." The emperor said, "General Cao is truly a loyal subject of the realm!" He then ordered them to escort his carriage. A scout came and reported, "Li Jue and Guo Si have been driving their army hard over a long distance to get here." The emperor ordered Xiahou Dun to divide his forces into two groups and intercept them. Dun and Cao Hong then split their men into two wings, the cavalry departing first, followed by the infantry. They launched a full-out attack. The armies of Jue and Si were badly defeated. More than 10,000 of their men were killed. The emperor was then asked to return to the old palace at Luoyang. Xiahou Dun garrisoned his troops outside the city walls.

10

　　次日，曹操引大隊人馬到來。安營畢，入城見帝，拜於殿階之下。帝賜平身，宣諭慰勞。操曰：「臣向蒙國恩，刻思圖報。今傕、汜二賊，罪惡貫盈，臣有精兵二十餘萬，以順討逆，無不克捷。陛下善保龍體，以社稷為重。」帝乃封操領司隸校尉，假節鉞，錄尚書事。

The next day, Cao Cao came, leading a large contingent of horses and men. After pitching camp, he entered the city to see the emperor. He prostrated himself at the foot of the emperor's pedestal. The emperor bade him to stand, then had an imperial decree read aloud that recognized him for his service to the nation. Cao said, "I have been blessed by your kind favor, and I will do my best to repay Your Majesty's generosity. As of now, the evil deeds of Jue and Si could fill volumes. I have at my disposal 200,000 elite troops with which to prosecute these traitors. There is no army that I cannot defeat. Please look after your health, Your Majesty, for the sake of the nation." The emperor then made Cao Colonel Director of Retainers and gave him the tally and battle-axe of authority.^[8] He also placed him in charge of the imperial secretaries.^[9]

11

　　卻說李傕、郭汜，知操遠來，議欲速戰。賈詡諫曰：「不可。操兵精將勇，不如降之，求免本身之罪。」傕怒曰：「你敢滅吾銳氣！」拔劍欲斬詡，眾將勸免。是夜賈詡單馬走回鄉里去了。

Let us now turn to Li Jue and Guo Si, who, upon learning that Cao had come from afar, had decided to mount a speedy attack. Jia Xu admonished them, saying, "Don't do it. Cao commands an impressive military force. It would be better to surrender to him, in exchange for a guarantee that you will not be prosecuted for your crimes." Jue was outraged, saying, "How dare you question my fortitude!" He drew his straight sword and was about to cut down Xu, but his generals intervened. That evening, Jia Xu returned to his home village by himself on his horse.

12

　　次日，李傕軍馬來迎操兵。操先令許褚、曹仁、典韋，領三百鐵騎，於傕陣中衝突三遭，方纔布陣。陣圓處，李傕侄李暹、李別出馬。陣前未及開言，許褚飛馬過去，一刀先斬李暹。李別吃了一驚，倒撞下馬，褚亦斬之，雙挽人頭回陣。曹操撫許褚之背曰：「子真吾之樊噲也！」隨令夏侯惇領兵左出，曹仁領兵右出，操自領中軍衝陣。鼓響一聲，三軍齊進。賊兵抵敵不住，大敗而走。操親掣寶劍押陣，率眾連夜追殺，剿戮極多，降者不計其數。傕、汜望西逃命，忙忙似喪家之狗；自知無處容身，只得往山中落草去了。

Fan Kuai

The next day, Li Jue's soldiers and horses headed out to confront Cao's army. Cao initially ordered Xu Chu, Cao Ren and Dian Wei to lead a force of 300 armored cavalry. They struck at the center of Jue's line three times, before they could establish their position. Li Jue's nephews, Li Xian and Li Bie, rode out on their horses from the spot where the line was bent. Before anyone could say anything, Xu Chu flew out on his horse and cut down Li Xian. Li Bie was taken aback and fell off his horse. Chu cut him down as well. He returned to his lines, carrying the severed heads of both men. Cao Cao patted Xu Chu on the back, saying, "You are truly my Fan Kuai!"^[10] He then ordered Xiahou Dun to advance his army on the left flank -- with Cao Ren advancing on the right flank, and Cao personally leading the Army of the Center -- in an attack on the enemy's line. The drums rang out, as the three armies advanced in unison. The rebel army was unable to withstand the onslaught. Having suffered a major defeat, they departed. Cao drew his own straight sword and pressed the lines forward. They chased the rebels throughout the night, slaughtering a great many. Countless numbers surrendered. Jue and Si desperately fled for their lives to the west, like the dogs of a family in mourning.^[11] They knew that there was no place they could take shelter, so they had no choice but to hole up in the mountains.

13

　　曹操回兵，仍屯於洛陽城外。楊奉、韓暹兩個商議：「今曹操成了大功，必拿重權，如何容得我等？」乃入奏天子，只以追殺傕、汜為名，引本部軍屯於大梁去了。

Cao Cao returned with his troops, garrisoning them once again outside of Luoyang. Yang Feng and Han Xian discussed the situation, "Now that Cao Cao has achieved a major success, he will surely make a grab for the lion's share of power. How will he ever have any room for us?" They then went in and petitioned the emperor. Using as an excuse that they were going after Jue and Si, they headed toward Daliang, where they planned on garrisoning their main army.

14

　　帝一日命人至操營，宣操入宮議事。操聞天使至，請入相見。只見那人眉清目秀，精神充足。操暗想曰：「今東郡大荒，官僚軍民，皆有饑色，此人何得獨肥？」因問之曰：「公尊顏充腴，以何調理而至此？」對曰：「某無他法，只食淡三十年矣。」操乃頷之；又問曰：「君居何職？」對曰：「某舉孝廉。原為袁紹、張揚從事。今聞天子還都，特來朝覲。官封正議郎。濟陰定陶人，姓董，名昭，字公仁。」曹操避席曰：「聞名久矣！幸得於此相見。」遂置酒帳中相待，令與荀彧相會。忽人報曰：「一隊軍往東而去，不知何人。」操急令人探之。董昭曰：「此乃李傕舊將楊奉，與白波帥韓暹，因明公來此，故引兵欲投大梁去耳。」操曰：「莫非疑操乎？」昭曰：「此乃無謀之輩，明公何足慮也？」操又曰：「李、郭二賊，此去若何？」昭曰：「虎無爪，鳥無翼，不久當為明公所擒，無足介意。」

One day, the emperor ordered someone to go to Cao's camp and summon Cao to the palace for talks. When Cao heard that an emissary of the emperor had arrived, he invited him in for a meeting. As soon as he saw how striking and vibrant the man looked, Cao thought to himself, "Dong Commandery is now in the throws of a great famine. Bureaucrats, soldiers and civilians alike all look like skeletons. How is it that this man alone looks so plump?" Because of this, he asked, "Your face is so round and plump. How have you managed to look after yourself?" He answered, "There's no special trick; I have only eaten bland foods for the past 30 years." Cao then nodded in approval, asking, "What is it that you do for a living?" He answered, "I was nominated for a posting by the governor of the Commandery where I'm from. I was originally an aide to Yuan Shao and Zhang Yang. When I heard that the Son of Heaven had returned to the capital, I came especially to seek him out. He made me a proper court advisor. I am from Dingtao in Jiyin Commandery. My surname is Dong, my given name is Zhao, and my style name is Gongren.^[12] Cao Cao rose from his seat, saying, "I've heard of you! How fortunate to meet you like this." He then offered his guest some wine and introduced him to Xun Yu. Suddenly, someone came to report, saying, "An army is heading east from here. I don't know who it is." Cao immediately ordered someone to check it out. Dong Zhao said, "It's Li Jue's former general Yang Feng and White Wave leader Han Xian. Because you came here, they led their army toward Daliang. Cao said, "Could it be that they are suspicious of me?" Zhao said, "They are clueless. There's no need for you to worry yourself over them." Cao then said, "What should I do about Li and Guo?" Zhao said, "They are like a tiger without claws and a bird without wings. Before long, they will be captured by your men. They're not worth fretting over."

15

　　操見昭語言投機，便問以朝廷大事。昭曰：「明公興義兵以除暴亂，入朝輔佐天子，此五伯之功也。但諸將人殊意異，未必服從。今若留此，恐有不便，惟移駕幸許都為上策。然朝廷播越，新還京師，遠近仰望，以冀一朝之安，今復徙駕，不厭眾心。夫行非常之事，乃有非常之功，願將軍決計之。」操執昭手而笑曰：「此吾之本志也。但楊奉在大梁，大臣在朝，不有他變否？」昭曰：「易也。以書與楊奉，先安其心；明告大臣，以京師無糧，欲車駕幸許都，近魯陽，轉運糧食，庶無欠缺懸隔之憂。大臣聞之，當欣從也。」操大喜。昭謝別。操執其手曰：「凡操有所圖，惟公教之。」昭稱謝而去。

Cao found his own views to agree with Zhao's words, so he asked him about important matters of the court. Zhao said, "You raised an army in order to put down a rebellion and have come to the court to assist the Son of Heaven. This is a feat worthy of the Five Hegemons. However, there are a lot of generals, each with their own opinions. Not all of them will obey you. If you stay here, I fear there will be difficulties for you. The best course of action would be to move the emperor to the capital at Xu. On the other hand, the court had been forced into exile, and has only recently returned to the capital. People from far and near are counting on being able to have a period of relative calm. If you were to yet again relocate the emperor, the people will not be happy. However, extraordinary actions can result in extraordinary successes. You must decide." Cao took Zhao's hand in his and smiled, saying, "That was my original intention. However, Yang Feng is in Daliang and all of the ministers are at court. Won't they take exception?" Zhao said, "That's easy. First, write a letter to Yang Feng to put his mind at ease. Next, tell the ministers on no uncertain terms that, because the capital lacks provisions, you would like to relocate the emperor to the capital at Xu. Tell them that it is close to Luyang, and that provisions can be brought in from there. Make them understand that this will alleviate the people's worries about being deprived and isolated. When the ministers hear all this, they will happily oblige." Cao was overjoyed. Zhao bid him farewell. Cao took Zhao's hand in his, saying, "If I have any plans in the future, I will only seek out your advice." Zhao thanked him and left.

16

　　操由是日與眾謀士密議遷都之事，時侍中太史令王立私謂宗正劉艾曰：「吾仰觀天文，自去春太白犯鎮星於斗牛，過天津，熒惑又逆行，與太白會於天關，金火交會，必有新天子出。吾觀大漢氣數將終，晉魏之地，必有興者。」又密奏獻帝曰：「天命有去就，五行不常盛。代火者土也。代漢而有天下者，當在魏。」操聞之，使人告立曰：「知公忠於朝廷，然天道深遠，幸勿多言。」操以是告彧。彧曰：「漢以火德王，而明公乃土命也。許都屬土，到彼必興。火能生土，土能旺木，正合董昭、王立之言，他日必有興者。」

the five elements

From that day on, Cao began to secretly discuss the matter of moving the capital with his advisors. During this time, Court Advisor and resident astronomer Wang Li said to Minister of the Imperial Clan Liu Ai, "I have been observing the heavens. Since last spring, Venus approached Saturn in the area between the Dipper and the Ox. After that, it crossed over the Celestial Ford.^[13] Also, Mars began its retrograde motion, and has now met up with Venus near the Celestial Gate.^[14] Venus is represented by Metal and Mars by Fire. Whenever Metal and Fire interact, it means that a new Son of Heaven is sure to emerge.^[15] In my view, the days of the Great Han are numbered. The ones who will prosper will be from the lands of Jin and Wei." He also secretly petitioned Emperor Xian, saying, "The Mandate of Heaven comes and goes. None of the five elements ever remains in a state of abundance. The element that replaces Fire is Earth. I believe that Wei will replace the Han and take possession of all under heaven." When Cao heard about this, he sent someone to talk to Wang Li, saying, "We know that you are loyal to the court. However, the ways of heaven are mysterious. Please refrain from saying too much." Cao then talked to Yu. Yu said, "Han rules by the virtue of Fire. Your fortune, on the other hand, rests with Earth.^[16] The capital at Xu belongs to Earth. If you go there, you are sure to prosper. Fire can generate Earth, and Earth can have an abundance of Trees. This fits exactly with the words of Dong Zhao and Wang Li. You will surely prosper there in the future."

17

　　操意遂決；次日，入見帝，奏曰：「東都荒廢久矣，不可修葺；更兼轉運糧食艱辛。許都地近魯陽，城郭宮室，錢糧民物，足可備用。臣敢請駕幸許都，惟陛下從之。」帝不敢不從；群臣皆懼操勢，亦莫敢有異議；遂擇日起駕。操引軍護行，百官皆從。行不到數程，前至一高陵。忽然喊聲大舉，楊奉、韓暹，領兵攔路。徐晃當先，大叫「曹操欲劫駕何往！」

With that, Cao made up his mind. The next day, he met with the emperor and stated his case, saying, "The eastern capital has been in a state of ruins for a long time now. It is beyond repair. What's more, it is difficult to have grain shipped here. The capital at Xu is near Luyang. It has city walls, palatial accommodations, money and other material goods to spare. I would boldly suggest that Your Majesty be relocated to the capital at Xu, if only you would." The emperor did not dare object. All of the ministers were in awe of Cao's power. None of them dared raise any objections either. An auspicious day was chosen for the journey to begin. Cao led his army on the journey as protection. All of the officials followed. They had not gone more than a little ways, before approaching a high hill in front of them. Suddenly, there was a loud commotion. Yang Feng and Han Xian led a group of soldiers that had blocked the road. Xu Huang was out front, shouting, "Cao Cao! Where are you going with your hostage, the emperor?"

18

　　操出馬視之，見徐晃威風凜凜，暗暗稱奇；便令許褚出馬與徐晃交鋒。刀斧相交，戰五十餘合，不分勝敗。操即鳴金收軍，召謀士議曰：「楊奉，韓暹誠不足道；徐晃乃真良將也，吾不忍以力併之，當以計招之。」行軍從事滿寵曰：「主公勿慮。某向與徐晃有一面之交，今晚扮作小卒，偷入其營，以言說之，管教他傾心來降。」操欣然從之。

When Cao rode out on his horse to get a look at him, he observed how imposing Xu Huang was. He was secretly impressed. He then ordered Xu Chu to ride out on his horse and engage with Xu Huang in combat. It was broadsword against pole-axe. They fought for more than 50 rounds with no clear victor. Cao then sounded the gongs of retreat. He gathered his advisors together, saying, "Yang Feng and Han Xian are truly not worth mentioning. However, Xu Huang is a really good general. I can't bear to forcibly get rid of him. We should find a way to recruit him." Infantry aide Man Chong said, "Don't worry, Your Excellency. I am an acquaintance of Xu Huang's. Tonight, I'll pretend to be a low ranking soldier and sneak into their camp, so that I can talk to him. I'll make him want to come surrender to you." Cao readily went along with his proposal.

19

　　是夜滿寵扮作小卒，混入彼軍隊中，偷至徐晃帳前，只見晃秉燭披甲而坐。寵突至其前，揖曰：「故人別來無恙乎？」徐晃驚起，熟視之曰：「子非山陽滿伯寧耶？何以至此？」寵曰：「某現為曹將軍從事。今日於陣前得見故人，欲進一言，故特冒死而來。」晃乃延之坐，問其來意。寵曰：「公之勇略，世所罕有，奈何屈身於楊、韓之徒？曹將軍當世英雄，其好賢禮士，天下所知也；今日陣前，見公之勇，十分敬愛，故不忍以健將決死戰，特遣寵來奉邀。公何不棄暗投明，共成大業？」

That evening, Man Chong pretended to be a low ranking soldier and melted into the other side's army. He snuck over to the entrance to Xu Huang's tent, whereupon, he saw Huang, still in his armor, sitting with a candle in his hand. Man Chong suddenly stepped forward and saluted, saying, "My friend, how have you been?" Xu Huang was slightly startled. Looking at him intently, he said, "You're not Man Boning from Shanyang, are you? How did you get here?" Chong said, "I am one of General Cao's aides. Today, I saw my old friend on the battlefield. I wanted to talk with you, so I risked my life to come here in order to do just that." Huang bade him sit, asking him why he had come. Chong said, "You possess both courage and cunning, which is rare in this world. Why are you subjugating yourself to losers like Yang and Han? General Cao is a hero of our time. He is well known for his fondness for men of virtue and for the courtesy he shows to educated men. Today, when he saw your courage on the battlefield, he was deeply impressed. He could not bear the thought of loosing a good general in a death match, which is why he specifically sent me here to ask you to join forces with him. Why don't you cast off the darkness and embrace the light, so that we can accomplish great things together?"

20

　　晃沈吟良久，乃喟然嘆曰：「吾固知奉、暹非立業之人，奈從之久矣，不忍相捨。」寵曰：「豈不聞『良禽擇木而棲，賢臣擇主而事』？遇可事之主，而交臂失之，非丈夫也。」晃起謝曰：「願從公言。」寵曰：「何不就殺奉、暹而去，以為進見之禮？」晃曰：「以臣弒主，大不義也。吾決不為。」寵曰：「公真義士也。」晃遂引帳下數十騎，連夜同滿寵來投曹操。早有人報知楊奉。奉大怒，自引千騎來追，大叫「徐晃反賊休走！」

Huang muttered to himself for a long while, then let out a deep sigh, saying, "I do know that Feng and Xian are not capable of greatness, yet I have been under them for a long time. I can't just leave them." Chong said, "Have you not heard the saying, 'A good bird chooses for himself the tree upon which to perch, the talented subject chooses for himself the lord that he shall serve.'? A man who encounters a lord under whom he would be proud to serve, yet narrowly misses such a golden opportunity, is not a real man." Huang rose to thank him, saying, "I will follow your advice." Chong said, "Why don't you kill Feng and Xian before leaving? It could serve as an offering to your new benefactor." Huang said, "It is unjust for a subject to murder his lord. This I will not do." Chong said, "You truly are a man of honor." Huang led several dozen of the cavalrymen directly under his command, and accompanied Man Chong on a nighttime ride toward Cao Cao's position. Before long, someone reported this to Yang Feng. Feng was outraged and personally led thousands of cavalrymen in pursuit, shouting, "Xu Huang, you traitor, stop!"

21

　　正追趕間，忽然一聲砲響，山上山下，火把齊明，伏軍四出。曹操親自引軍，當先大喝：「我在此等候多時，休教走脫。」楊奉大驚；急待回軍，早被曹兵圍住。恰好韓暹引兵來救，兩軍混戰，楊奉走脫。曹操趁彼軍亂，乘勢攻擊，兩家軍士大半多降。楊奉、韓暹勢孤，引敗兵投袁術去了。

While they were chasing them, the sound of a cannon could suddenly be heard. All up and down the mountainside, torches lit up in unison. Hidden soldiers emerged from everywhere. Cao Cao was personally leading the army. Riding forward, he shouted, "I have been waiting here for quite some time. Don't try to escape." Yang Feng was taken aback. He tried to retreat, but was quickly surrounded by Cao's soldiers. Fortunately for him, Han Xian had, at that moment, led his army on a rescue mission. The two armies fought wildly. In the confusion, Yang Feng was able to escape. Cao Cao took advantage of the enemy army's disarray to mount an attack. More than half of Yang Feng's and Han Xian's men surrendered. The two of them took what was left of their forces and headed toward Yuan Shu's territory.

22

　　曹操收軍回營，滿寵引徐晃入見。操大喜，厚待之。於是迎鑾駕到許都，蓋造宮室殿宇，立宗廟社稷，省臺司院衙門，修城郭府庫，封董承等十三人為列侯。賞功罰罪，並聽曹操處置。

Cao Cao recalled his army and returned to camp. Man Chong brought Xu Huang in to see him. Cao was overjoyed and treated him warmly. After that, he welcomed the emperor to the capital at Xu. Cao oversaw the building of the emperor's residence, as well as large halls for the court, an ancestral temple and an alter where the emperor could make sacrifices to the gods. In addition, he also established facilities for the departments and the censorate, the ducal ministers and the yamen. Additionally, he granted marquis status to thirteen men, including Dong Cheng. Matters involving rewarding people for meritorious deeds or punishing them for crimes were all adjudicated by Cao Cao.

23

　　操自封大將軍武平侯，以荀彧為侍中尚書令；荀攸為軍師；郭嘉為司馬祭酒；劉曄為司空掾曹；毛玠、任峻，為典農中郎將，催督錢糧；程昱為東平相；范成、董昭，為洛陽令；滿寵為許都令；夏侯惇、夏侯淵、曹仁、曹洪，皆為將軍；呂虔、李典、樂進、于禁、徐晃，皆為校尉；許褚、典韋，皆為都尉；其餘將士，各各封官。自此大權皆歸於曹操。朝廷大務，先稟曹操，然後方奏天子。

Cao proclaimed himself commander-in-chief and Marquis of Wuping, while Xun Yu was made imperial advisor and chief of the secretarial staff; Xun You was made military advisor; Guo Jia was made major in charge of wine offerings; Liu Ye was made Assistant to Excellency of Works; Mao Jie and Ren Jun were both made commanders in charge of the agricultural stores, responsible for collecting taxes--in the form of rice or gold--from the local populace; Cheng Yu was made Chancellor of Dongping; Fan Cheng and Dong Zhao were both made Magistrates of Luoyang; Man Chong was made Magistrate of the capital at Xu; Xiahou Dun, Xiahou Yuan, Cao Ren and Cao Hong were all made generals; Lü Qian, Li Dian, Yue Jin, Yu Jin and Xu Huang were all made captains; Xu Chu and Dian Wei were both made commanders; the other officers and enlisted men were each given official posts. From this point on, all authority was in the hands of Cao Cao. All major affairs of court were first reviewed by Cao Cao, prior to being presented to the Son of Heaven.

24

　　操既定大事，乃設宴後堂，聚眾謀士共議曰：「劉備屯兵徐州，自領州事；近呂布以兵敗投之，備使居於小沛，若二人同心引兵來犯，乃心腹之患也。公等有何妙計可圖之？」許褚曰：「願借精兵五萬，斬劉備、呂布之頭，獻於丞相。」荀彧曰：「將軍勇則勇矣，不知用謀。今許都新定，未可造次用兵。彧有一計，名曰『二虎競食之計』。今劉備雖領徐州，未得詔命。明公可奏請詔命實授備為徐州牧，因密與一書，教殺呂布。事成則備無猛士為輔，亦漸可圖；事不成，則呂布必殺備矣；此乃『二虎競食之計』也。」操從其言，即時奏請詔命，遣使齎往徐州，封劉備為征東將軍宜城亭侯，領徐州牧，並附密書一封。

Having settled the most pressing issues, Cao then threw a banquet in the rear hall, whereupon he gathered his advisors to discuss matters. He said, "Liu Bei is garrisoning his troops at Xuzhou. He is now personally acting as de facto governor of the area. Lü Bu fled there after his most recent defeat. Bei allowed him to take up residence at Xiaopei. If those two were to combine forces and invade our territory, it could cause serious trouble for us. What do you propose we do about this?" Xu Chu said, "Give me 50,000 crack troops, and I'll bring back the heads of both Liu Bei and Lü Bu as a gift to Your Excellency." Xun Yu said, "Your Excellency, General Xun is brave, but is not thinking strategically. We've only recently established our capital at Xu. We shouldn't prematurely cause a ruckus by using the military. I have a plan that I call 'two tigers fight each other over food.' Right now, Liu Bei is in charge of Xuzhou and is awaiting instructions from the emperor. You could petition the emperor to officially appoint Bei as the governor of Xuzhou. You could then send a secret letter to him, instructing him to kill Lü Bu. If he is successful, then Bei will have lost a powerful ally. That will make it easier for us to eventually plot against him. If he is unsuccessful, then Lü Bu will be forced to kill Bei. This is what I mean by 'two tigers fight each other over food.'" Cao followed his advice and immediately petitioned the emperor to issue a decree and have it hand-carried by a messenger to Xuzhou. The decree designated Liu Bei as General who Conquers the East and Marquis of Yicheng Ting. It also officially made him governor of Xuzhou. The secret letter was also included among the correspondence.

25

　　卻說劉玄德在徐州，聞帝幸許都，正欲上表慶賀。忽報天使至，出郭迎接入郡，拜受恩命畢，設宴款待來使。使曰：「君侯得此恩命，實曹將軍於帝前保薦之力也。」玄德稱謝，使者乃取出私書遞與玄德，玄德看罷曰：「此事尚容計議。」席散，安歇來使於館驛。玄德連夜與眾商議此事，張飛曰：「呂布本無義之人，殺之何礙？」玄德曰：「他勢窮而來投我，我若殺之，亦是不義。」張飛曰：「好人難做！」玄德不從。

Let us now turn to Liu Xuande, who was in Xuzhou. When he heard that the emperor had gone to the capital at Xu, he wanted to send a letter of congratulations. However, an emissary arrived before he got around to it. He went outside of the city walls to welcome him. After they had exchanged pleasantries, he threw a banquet in honor of the emissary. The emissary said, "Your current assignment is really the result of General Cao's recommendation to the emperor." Xuande offered his thanks, at which point, the emissary pulled out a personal letter and handed it to Xuande. After Xuande finished reading it, he said, "Allow me to discuss this letter with my men." After the banquet had ended, the emissary was put up at the inn for the night. Xuande discussed the matter into the night with his men. Zhang Fei said, "Lü Bu is lacking in morals anyway. Why not just kill him?" Xuande said, "He came to us when he was weak; it wouldn't be right for me to kill him." Zhang Fei said, "Being a good person is hard!" Xuande did not follow his advice.

26

　　次日，呂布來賀，玄德教請入見。布曰：「聞公受朝廷恩命，特來相賀。」玄德遜謝。只見張飛扯劍上廳，要殺呂布，玄德慌忙阻住。布大驚曰：「翼德何故只要殺我？」張飛叫曰：「曹操道你是無義之人，教我哥哥殺你！」玄德連聲喝退，乃引呂布同入後堂，實告前因；就將曹操所送密書與呂布看。布看畢，泣曰：「此乃曹賊欲令我二人不和耳！」玄德曰：「兄勿憂，劉備誓不為此不義之事。」

The next day, when Lü Bu came to congratulate him, Xuande had him escorted inside for an audience. Bu said, "I heard that you were awarded a prestigious post by the court and came to congratulate you." Xuande thanked him. Before they knew what was happening, Zhang Fei had drawn his straight sword, intending to kill Lü Bu. Xuande hastily stepped between them. Bu was taken aback, and said, "Yide, why do you want to kill me?" Zhang Fei bellowed, "Cao Cao has declared that you are a man without virtue. He has ordered my brother Xuande to kill you!" Xuande repeatedly implored Fei to leave, while escorting Lü Bu into the rear chamber. He told him the whole story, then showed Lü Bu the secret letter sent by Cao Cao. After Bu finished reading it, he began to weep, saying, "Cao Cao is attempting to drive a wedge between us!" Xuande said, "Don't worry. I promise I won't do such a despicable thing."

27

　　呂布再三拜謝，備留布飲酒，至晚方回。關、張曰：「兄長何故不殺呂布？」玄德曰：「此曹孟德恐我與呂布同謀伐之，故用此計，使我兩人自相吞併，彼卻於中取利。奈何為所使乎？」關公點頭道是。張飛曰：「我只要殺此賊以絕後患！」玄德曰：「此非大丈夫之所為也。」

Lü Bu thanked him repeatedly. Bei had Bu stay for drinks. It was evening before he left. Guan and Zhang said, "Why don't you kill Lü Bu?" Xuande said, "Cao Mengde is afraid that I will join forces with Lü Bu and attack him. That's why he hatched this scheme. He wants the two of us to destroy each other so that he can gain the advantage. Why would I want to accommodate his wishes?" Lord Guan nodded his head in agreement. Zhang Fei said, "I just want to kill this bum in order to avoid problems in the future!" Xuande said, "That's not the gentleman's way."

28

　　次日，玄德送使命回京，就拜表謝恩，並回書與曹操，只言容緩圖之。使命回見曹操，言玄德不殺呂布之事。操問荀彧曰：「此計不成，奈何？」彧曰：「又有一計，名曰『驅虎吞狼之計』。」操曰：「其計如何？」彧曰：「可暗令人往袁術處通問，報說劉備上密表，要略南郡。術聞之，必怒而攻備，公乃明詔劉備討袁術。兩邊相併，呂布必生異心。此『驅虎吞狼之計』也。」操大喜，先發人往袁術處；次假天子詔，發人往徐州。

The following day, Xuande sent the emissary back to the capital with a message of gratitude to the emperor. He also had him deliver a letter to Cao Cao requesting more time to plan things out. When the emissary met with Cao Cao, he told him that Xuande had not killed Lü Bu. Cao asked Xun Yu, saying, "Your plan did not work, so now what?" Yu said, "I have another idea. It's called 'force the tiger to devour the wolf'." Cao said, "How does it work?" Yu said, "You can discreetly send someone to Yuan Shu's camp to tell him that Liu Bei secretly petitioned the emperor to make a move against Nan Commandery. When Shu hears that, he will become outraged and launch an attack against Bei. Following that, you will send an imperial decree to Liu Bei, ordering him to go after Yuan Shu. This is what I mean by 'force the tiger to devour the wolf'." Cao was overjoyed. He first sent someone to Yuan Shu's camp. Next, he sent someone to deliver a fake imperial decree to Xuzhou.

29

　　卻說玄德在徐州，聞使命至，出郭迎接；開讀詔書，卻是要起兵討袁術。玄德領命，送使者先回。糜竺曰：「此又是曹操之計。」玄德曰：「雖是計，王命不可違也。」

Let us now turn to Xuande, who was in Xuzhou. When he heard that an emissary had arrived, he went out to greet him. When the imperial edict was read aloud, they discovered that it indeed contained orders to raise an army and attack Yuan Shu. Xuande acknowledged the orders, then dismissed the emissary. Mi Zhu said, "This is another scheme of Cao Cao's." Xuande said, "Even so, I cannot disobey an order from the emperor."

30

　　遂點軍馬，剋日起程。孫乾曰：「可先定守城之人。」玄德曰：「二弟之中，誰人可守？」關公曰：「弟願守此城。」玄德曰：「吾早晚欲與你議事，豈可相離？」張飛曰：「小弟願守此城。」玄德曰：「你守不得此城。你一者酒後剛強，鞭打士卒；二者作事輕易，不從人諫。吾不放心。」

He then organized his forces and set a date for departure. Sun Qian said, "You should first appoint someone to watch over the city in your absence." Xuande said, "My two brothers, which of you can watch over the city while I'm gone?" Lord Guan said, "I would like to watch over the city." Xuande said, "Sooner or later, I will want to discuss things with you. How can we be separated from each other?" Zhang Fei said, "I would like watch over the city." Xuande said, "You're not capable of watching over the city. For one thing, after you've been drinking, you become brazen and beat the soldiers. For another thing, you don't take your duties seriously, and don't heed the advice of others. I am not comforted by the thought of you being in charge."

31

　　張飛曰：「弟自今以後，不飲酒，不打軍士，諸般聽人勸諫便了。」糜竺曰：「只恐口不應心。」飛怒曰：「吾跟哥哥多年，未嘗失信，你如何輕料我！」玄德曰：「弟言雖如此，吾終不放心。還請陳元龍輔之。早晚令其少飲酒，勿致失事。」陳登應諾。玄德吩咐了當，乃統馬步軍三萬，離徐州望南陽進發。

Zhang Fei said, "From now on, I will not drink, I will not beat the soldiers, and I will listen to the advice of others." Mi Zhu said, "My fear is that your words do not match your intentions." Fei angrily said, "I have been with my old brother for many years and have never yet gone back on my word. How can you underestimate me!" Xuande said, "Even though you say that, I'm still uneasy. I will ask Chen Yuanlong to assist you. He will make sure that you don't drink or mess things up." Chen Yuanlong agreed. Having finshed passing down his instructions, Xuande led a force of 30,000 infantry and cavalry away from Xuzhou toward Nanyang.

32

　　卻說袁術聞說劉備上表，欲吞其州縣，乃大怒曰：「汝乃織席編屨之夫，今輒占據大郡，與諸侯同列；吾正欲伐汝，汝卻反欲圖我！深為可恨！」乃使上將紀靈起兵十萬，殺奔徐州。兩軍會於盱眙。玄德兵少，依山傍水下寨。

Let us now turn to Yuan Shu. When he heard that Liu Bei had petitioned the emperor to occupy his prefectures and counties, he angrily said, "Liu Bei! You're a guy who made his living by weaving straw sandals. Now that you have control over a large commandery, you want to rub elbows with the nobles. I was planning on launching an attack against you, but you beat me to the punch! What an outrage!" He then had his general, Ji Ling, raise an army of 100,000 men and march toward Xuzhou. The two armies met up at Xuyi. Xuande was outnumbered, so he pitched camp with the mountains to his back and a river to his front.

33

　　那紀靈乃山東人，使一口三尖刀，重五十斤。是日引兵出，大罵「劉備村夫，安敢侵吾境界！」玄德曰：「吾奉天子詔，以討不臣。汝今敢來相拒，罪不容誅！」紀靈大怒，拍馬舞刀，直取玄德。關公大喝曰：「匹夫休得逞強！」出馬與紀靈大戰。一連三十合，不分勝負。紀靈大叫少歇，關公便撥馬回陣，立於陣前候之。紀靈卻遣副將荀正出馬。關公曰：「只教紀靈來，與他決個雌雄！」荀正曰：「汝乃無名下將，非紀將軍對手！」關公大怒，直取荀正；交馬一合，砍荀正於馬下。玄德驅兵殺將過去，紀靈大敗，退守淮陰河口，不敢交戰；只教軍士來偷營劫寨，皆被徐州兵殺敗。兩軍相拒，不在話下。

Ji Ling was a man from the east of the mountains. His weapon of choice was a war trident that weighed 50 catties.^[17] On this day, he led out his soldiers, yelling, "Liu Bei, you country bumpkin! How dare you invade my lands!" Xuande said, "I am acting in accordance with a decree from the son of heaven to go after those who are disloyal to the emperor. Your flagrant challenge of imperial authority is a crime that cannot even be atoned by death!" Ji Ling was outraged. Raising his trident, he charged on his horse toward Liu Bei. Lord Guan shouted at him, "Such a low life as you should not try to flaunt his superiority!" He rode out on his horse and engaged Ji Ling in combat. They went at each other for 30 straight rounds, without a clear victor. Ji Ling called for a rest, so Lord Guan wheeled his horse around and returned to his side. He remained out front, waiting for Ji Ling. Ji Ling sent out his assistant general, Xun Zheng, on a horse. Lord Guan said, "Tell Ji Ling to come out so that we can decide once and for all who is the better man!" Xun Zheng said, "You are a no-name minor general. You are no match for General Ji!" Lord Guan became furious and charged at Xun Zheng. After one round, he had cut Xun Zheng down from his horse. Xuande launched an all out attack. Ji Ling suffered a major defeat and retreated to the mouth of the Huaiyin River. He refused to engage in combat. He merely ordered his men to stage raids on the other side's camp, but his men were repelled by the Xuzhou forces in every case. It goes without saying that the two sides were at an impasse.

34

　　卻說張飛自送玄德起身後，一應雜事，俱付陳元龍管理；軍機大務，自家斟酌。一日，設宴請各官赴席。眾人坐定，張飛開言曰：「我兄臨去時，吩咐我少飲酒，恐致失事。眾官今日盡此一醉，明日都各戒酒，幫我守城。今日卻都要滿飲。」言罷，起身與眾官把盞。酒至曹豹面前，豹曰：「我從天戒，不飲酒。」飛曰：「廝殺漢，如何不飲酒？我要你吃一盞。」豹懼怕，只得飲了一杯。

Let us now turn to Zhang Fei. After he saw off Xuande, he allowed Chen Yuanlong to handle all of the miscellaneous tasks, while he personally made all decisions regarding major military matters. One day, he arranged for a banquet and invited all of the officials to attend. Once everyone was seated, Zhang Fei started off by saying, "My older brother instructed me to not drink too much while he was away because he was afraid that it would lead to a mishap. Today, we will get drunk just this once. Tomorrow, nobody will be allowed to drink anymore so that you can all help me to defend the city. However, today, everyone should drink their fill." After saying this, he stood up and toasted each of his guests in turn. When the wine arrived in front of Cao Bao, Bao said, "I have a natural aversion to alcohol. I don't drink." Fei said, "How can a battle-hardened killer not drink? I want you to drink a cup." Bao was afraid of him, so he had no choice but to drink the cup of wine.

35

　　張飛把遍各官，自斟巨觥，連飲了幾十杯，不覺大醉，卻又起身與眾官把盞。酒至曹豹，豹曰：「某實不能飲矣。」飛曰：「汝恰纔吃了，如今為何推卻？」豹再三不飲，飛醉後使酒，便發怒曰：「你違我將令，該打一百！」便喝軍士拏下。陳元龍曰：「玄德公臨去時，吩咐你甚來？」飛曰：「你文官，只管文官事，休來管我！」

Zhang Fei poured himself a huge goblet of wine after toasting each official, drinking dozens of cups in a row. Before he knew it, he had become quite drunk. He again stood up to toast each of the officials. When the wine came to Cao Bao, Bao said, "I really can't drink." Fei said, "You just now drank. Why are you refusing only now?" Bao repeatedly declined to drink. Fei was tipsy from all the wine, and angrily said, "You are in violation of my orders. You deserve 100 lashes!" With that, he ordered the soldiers to seize him. Chen Yuanlong said, "What did Xuande tell you before leaving?" Fei said, "You are a civilian. You are only in charge of civilian matters. Mind your own business!"

36

　　曹豹無奈，只得告求曰：「翼德公，看我女壻之面，且恕我罷。」飛曰：「你女壻是誰？」豹曰：「呂布是也。」飛大怒曰：「我本不欲打你；你把呂布來嚇我，我偏要打你！我打你，便是打呂布！」諸人勸不住。將曹豹鞭至五十，眾人苦苦告饒，方止。

Cao Bao was at a loss. All he could do was to implore him, saying, "Yide! For the sake of my son-in-law, please spare me." Fei said, "Who is your son-in-law?" Bao said, "Lü Bu." Fei became enraged, saying, "I didn't want to beat you at first, but now that you threaten me with Lü Bu, I definitely will beat you! Beating you will be like beating Lü Bu!" Everyone tried to dissuade him. Cao Bao had been given 50 lashes before they finally convinced him to have mercy and stop.

37

　　席散，曹豹回去，深恨張飛，連夜差人齎書一封，逕投小沛見呂布，備說張飛無禮；且云玄德已往淮南，今夜可乘飛醉，引兵來襲徐州，不可錯此機會。呂布見書，便請陳宮來議。宮曰：「小沛原非久居之地。今徐州既有可乘之隙，失此不取，悔之晚矣。」

The banquet broke up and Cao Bao returned home. He was furious with Zhang Fei, so he sent a messenger to travel throughout the night to Xiaopei with a letter for Lü Bu. It explained in detail the lack courtesy shown to him by Zhang Fei. Furthermore, it stated that since Xuande had already left for Huainan, Lü Bu could take advantage of the fact that Zhang Fei was drunk and lead a force in an attack on Xuzhou. This was not an opportunity that Lü Bu could let pass him by. After reading the letter, Lü Bu invited Chen Gong over to discuss the matter. Gong said, "Xiaopei is not a place where we can remain for long. We will forever regret it if we don't seize this opportunity to take Xuzhou.

38

　　布從之，隨即披挂上馬，領五百騎先行；使陳宮引大軍繼進，高順亦隨後進發。小沛離徐州只四五十里，上馬便到。呂布到城下時，恰纔四更，月色澄清，城上更不知覺。布到城門邊叫曰：「劉使君有機密，使人至。」城上有曹豹軍，報知曹豹，豹上城觀之，便令軍士開門。呂布一聲暗號，眾軍齊入，喊聲大舉。

Bu followed his advice. Donning his armor and mounting his horse, he led an advance force of five hundred mounted troops. He had Chen Gong lead a large army behind him, with Gao Shun bringing up the rear. Xiaopei was a distance of 50 li^[18] from Xuzhou. It was easily reachable by horse. By the time Lü Bu arrived at the city's walls, it was already the fourth watch.^[19] The moon was shining brightly, but the guards on top of the city wall were oblivious. Bu came to the city gate and shouted, "I have a confidential message from Governor Liu." Cao Bao's troops were on top of the city walls and reported this to Cao Bao. Cao Bao climbed to the top of the city walls to take a look, then ordered his men to open the city gates. When Lü Bu gave the signal, all of his soldiers poured into the city, shouting and making a great ruckus.

39

　　張飛正醉臥府中，左右急忙搖醒，報說「呂布賺開城門，殺將進來了！」張飛大怒，慌忙披挂，綽了丈八蛇矛；纔出府門，上得馬時，呂布軍馬已到，正與相迎。張飛此時酒猶未醒，不能力戰。呂布素知飛勇，亦不敢相逼。十八騎燕將，保著張飛，殺出東門，玄德家眷在府中，都不及顧了。

Zhang Fei was still passed out in his chambers, when attendants hurriedly roused him from his drunken stupor, saying to him, "Lü Bu has bluffed his way into the city; his henchmen are coming for us!" Zhang Fei became enraged. He hastily donned his armor and grabbed his 1.8 zhang snake lance.^[20] By the time he went outside and mounted his horse, Lü Bu's men had already arrived and were ready to exchange blows. Zhang Fei had still not sobered up and was unable to put up much of a fight. Lü Bu was well aware of Fei's bravery and did not dare press the attack. The eighteen cavalry generals of Yan provided protection for Zhang Fei as he fought his way past the eastern gate.^[21] There was no time to see to Xuande's family, all of whom were trapped within the residence.

40

　　卻說曹豹見張飛只十數護從，又欺他醉，遂引百十人趕來。飛見豹，大怒，拍馬來迎。戰了三合，曹豹敗走，飛趕到河邊，一槍正刺中曹豹後心，連人帶馬，死於河中。飛於城外招呼士卒，出城者盡隨飛投淮南而去。呂布入城安撫居民，令軍士一百人守把玄德宅門，諸人不許擅入。

Let us now turn to Cao Bao, who saw that Zhang Fei was being escorted by little more than a dozen bodyguards. Bao was fooled by Fei's drunken state and thought that he could gain the upper hand. He led more than 100 men in pursuit. When Fei saw Bao, he became enraged and galloped his horse toward him. After three rounds, Cao Bao fled in defeat. Fei caught up with him at the edge of the river and stabbed him in the back with his spear. Both man and horse died in the river. Fei gathered together the troops that had made it out of the city. All of them followed Fei to Huainan. Lü Bu entered the city and pacified the residents. He had 100 of his soldiers guard Xuande's residence, with orders to allow no one to enter without permission.

41

　　卻說張飛引數十騎，直到盱眙見玄德，具說曹豹與呂布裡應外合，夜襲徐州，眾皆失色。玄德嘆曰：「得何足喜，失何足憂？」關公曰：「嫂嫂安在？」飛曰：「皆陷於城中矣。」玄德默然無語。關公頓足埋怨曰：「你當初要守城時，說甚來？兄長吩咐你甚來？今日城池又失了，嫂嫂又陷了，如何是好？」張飛聞言，惶恐無地，掣劍欲自刎。正是：舉杯暢飲情何放？拔劍捐生悔已遲！不知性命如何，且看下文分解。

Let us now turn to Zhang Fei, who led several dozen mounted soldiers straight to Xuyi to see Xuande. When he recounted in detail how Cao Bao plotted from within the city to have Lü Bu stage a night attack against Xuzhou, they all turned pale from surprise. Xuande sighed and said, "I wasn't happy to get it; why should I be upset about losing it?" Lord Guan asked, "Where is our master's wife?" Fei said, "They are all trapped inside the city." Xuande fell silent. Lord Guan stomped his feet and complained, "What did you say at first when you wanted to guard the city? What did our brother tell you? Now the city is lost and his wife is trapped inside. What are we going to do now?" When Zhang Fei heard these words, he began to panic. He pulled out his straight sword and prepared to slit his own throat. It was a case of:

You were so merry when you first raised your cup of wine, but where is that happy feeling now? It is too late to slit your own throat with your straight sword in regret.

Don't know whether he lived or died? Keep reading, and all will be explained.

---

Notes

1. Zhi Road is the name of an ancient road (near present day Jiyuan, Henan.)
2. Xīngpíng (興平, reviving peace, 194-195) and Jiàn'ān (建安, establishing peace, 196-220) were both Chinese era names from the reign of Emperor Xian of Han.
3. A journeyman imperial secretary is any secretary that has completed at least one year in his position as imperial secretary.
4. The red banners were used by Emperor Gaozu of Han, during his overthrow of the Qin. It symbolized the fact that once, the future emperor was put in charge of escorting some convicts to Mount Li to build the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. During the journey, many prisoners fled and the future emperor feared for his life, because allowing convicts to escape was a capital crime at that time. The future emperor then released the remaining prisoners and became a fugitive, with some of the men he released voluntarily agreeing to follow him. In legend, they encountered a gigantic white serpent that killed some people with its poisonous breath. The future emperor slew the serpent that night and encountered an old woman weeping by the road the next morning. When the future emperor's men asked her why she was crying, she replied, "My child, the son of the White Emperor (one of the five legendary Emperors, the Emperor of the West), has been slain by the son of the Red Emperor (another of the five legendary Emperors, the Emperor of the South).", and disappeared mysteriously. After hearing the old woman's strange words, the future emperor's men believed that he was destined to become a ruler in the future and became more impressed with him. Following that episode, the future emperor and his followers sought refuge on Mount Mangdang (http://www.mangshan.net) near Pei County and lived in an outlaw stronghold there. It was from here that they eventually launched their campaign to unify the country.
5. A reference to the two Han Dynasty capitals of Chang'an and Luoyang.
6. See Chapter 13.
7. By elder brother, Cao Hong is referring figuratively to his cousin Cao Cao, whom Cao Hong regarded as his senior comrade in arms.
8. The tally (節) was usually made from bamboo, wood, jade or copper. Characters were inscribed on it, and the tally was split into two halves. When using the tally as an instrument of authority, the two halves were joined together in order to prove the authenticity of the person's credentials. The tally and battle-axe (鉞) were given to military generals in order to confer imperial authority and legitimacy. If the emperor granted an individual the right to carry a tally, that individual was empowered, among other things, to execute anyone who violated military orders. If the emperor granted someone the right to carry the yellow battle-axe, that person was authorized to command armies both at home and abroad.
9. From this passage, we can see that Cao Cao has, by this point, consolidated his control over both military and civil functions of government.
10. Fan Kuai was a brave general that had served under Emperor Gaozu of Han. He had helped rescue Emperor Gaozu of Han from a number of precarious situations, and had earned the emperor's praise and trust.
11. The dog of a family in mourning would often go hungry and wander the streets in search for food, due to neglect by its master. Later, this became a metaphor for a desparate person who has nobody to turn to.
12. Gongren literally means, "fair and kind."
13. The Celestial Ford, also known as the Galaxy's ferry, was regarded as a bridge across the Milky Way. It is an asterism within the Girl constellation.
14. The Celestial Gate is an asterism within the Net constellation.
15. Zou Yan, an influential thinker during the Warring States Period, had developed a rather complex theory regarding the influence of the five elements (Tree, Earth, Water, Fire, Metal) on dynastic rule. His theories (known in Chinese as 五德終始說) had become popular among historians and scholars of ancient China. According to Zou Yan's theory, each dynasty was represented by one of the elements. Prior to the time of Wang Mang, the Han Dynasty was said to be represented by the Earth element. This was based on the Overcoming cycle of the five elements: Yellow Emperor (Earth) -> Xia Dynasty (Tree) -> Shang Dynasty (Metal) -> Zhou Dynasty (Fire) -> Qin Dynasty (Water) -> Han Dynasty (Earth). However, Wang Mang altered the classification of the dynasties in order to justify usurping the throne. Instead of using the Overcoming cycle of the five elements, he chose to use the Generating cycle (leaving out the Qin Dynasty, which he regarded as illegitimate), thus: Yellow Emperor (Earth) -> Xia Dynasty (Metal) -> Shang Dynasty (Water) -> Zhou Dynasty (Tree) -> Han Dynasty (Fire).
16. The Earth element is associated with the planet Saturn.
17. One catty was approximately 220 grams, 50 catties was approximately 11 kilograms (~24.255 pounds).
18. One li was approximately 415.8 meters, 50 li would have been 20.79 km (~12.91059 miles).
19. Between 1:00am and 3:00am.
20. One zhang (丈) was approximately 2.31 meters, 1.8 zhang was approximately 4.158 meters (~13 feet 5.35 inches). The term "snake" most likely referred to the length of the lance, rather than the shape of its head.
21. Since Zhang Fei originally lived in Zhuo County (in the state of Yan), it is likely that these 18 bodyguards had been with Zhang Fei since that time.