| Chinese Text Project | |
| Simplified Chinese version |
《屯土山关公约三事，救白马曹操解重围 - Besieged In Tushan, Guan Yu Makes Three Conditions; Relieved At Baima, Cao Cao Beholds A Marvel》 |
| 1 | 屯土山关... : | 却说程昱献计曰：“云长有万人之敌，非智谋不能取之。今可即差刘备手下投降之兵，入下邳，见关公，只说是逃回的，伏于城中为内应；却引关公出战，诈败佯输，诱入他处，以精兵截其归路，然后说之可也。”操听其谋，即令徐州降兵数十，迳投下邳来降关公。关公以为旧兵，留而不疑。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
The plan to seduce Guan Yu from allegiance to his brothers was now announced by Cheng Yu, "Since Guan Yu is far braver than ordinary warriors, he can only be overreached by superior cunning. Now send some of the captured soldiers who have lately been of Liu Bei's army into Xiapi, where they shall say they have come back. They shall thus be our allies on the inside. Then an attack and a feigned defeat will entice Guan Yu to a distance from the city. And his return road shall be cut." Cao Cao accepted the scheme, and a few score of the troops who had lately been in Xuzhou were sent to the city. Guan Yu believed the story they told and trusted them. So they were suffered to remain. | |
| 2 | 屯土山关... : | 次日，夏侯敦为先锋，领兵五千来搦战。关公不出，敦即使人于城下辱骂。关公大怒，引三千人马出城，与夏侯敦交战。约战十馀合，敦拨回马走。关公赶来，敦且战且走。关公约赶二十里，恐下邳有失，提兵便回。只听得一声炮响，左有徐晃，右有许褚，两队军截住去路。关公夺路而走，两边伏兵排下硬弩百，，箭如飞蝗。关公不过，勒兵再回，徐晃，许褚，接住交战。关公奋力杀退二人，引军欲回下邳，夏侯敦又截住厮杀。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
After this part of the game had been played, Xiahou Dun led forward five thousand troops against the city. At first, Guan Yu would not accept the challenge. But provoked by men sent to hurl insults at him from the foot of the wall, his wrath got the better of him, and he moved out with three thousand troops. After the leaders had exchanged some ten bouts, Xiahou Dun made to run away. Guan Yu pursued. Xiahou Dun stopped and made a stand, then he fled again. Thus alternately fighting and retiring, he enticed Guan Yu seven miles from Xiapi. Then Guan Yu suddenly remembering the risk to the city drew off his army to return homeward. Soon, at the sound of a signal bomb, from the left and right out moved two bodies of troops led by Xu Huang and Xu Chu who barred his way. Guan Yu hastened along a road that seemed to offer retreat, but from both sides his ambushing enemies shot their crossbows, and the arrows flew like locusts on the wing. No way past was found, and he turned back. Then both bodies joined in attacking him. He drove them off and got into the road to his own city, but soon Xiahou Dun came up again and attacked fiercely as before. | |
| 3 | 屯土山关... : | 公战至日晚，无路可归，只得到一座土山，引兵屯于山头，权且少歇。曹兵团团将土山围住。关公于山上遥望下邳城中火光冲天却是那诈降兵卒偷开城门，曹操自提大军杀入城中，只教举火以惑关公之心。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Evening came and still Guan Yu was hemmed in, so he went up on a low hill of Tushan Mountains upon which he encamped for a rest. Guan Yu was surrounded on all sides by enemies. By and by, looking toward his city, he saw the glow of fire. It meant that the traitors, who had come in to surrender, had opened the gate, and the enemy had gone in force. They had made the fires in order to perplex and distress Guan Yu. | |
| 4 | 屯土山关... : | 关公见下邳火起，心中惊惶，连夜几番冲下山来，皆被乱箭射回。捱到天晓，再欲整顿下山冲突，忽见一人跑马上山来，视之乃张辽也。关公迎谓曰：“文远欲来相敌耶？”辽曰：“非也。想故人旧日之情，特来相见。”遂弃刀下马，与关公叙礼毕，坐于山顶。公曰：“文远莫非说关某乎？”辽曰：“不然。昔日蒙兄救弟，今日弟安得不救兄？”公曰：“然则文远将欲助我乎？”辽曰：“亦非也。”公曰：“既不助我，来此何干？” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Indeed the sight of the fires at Xiapi saddened Guan Yu. In the night he made efforts to escape from the hill, but every attempt was checked by flights of arrows. At daybreak he prepared for one more effort, but before moving he saw a horseman riding up at full speed and presently discerned Zhang Liao. When within speaking distance, Guan Yu said, "Are you come to fight me, Zhang Liao?" "No," replied Zhang Liao. "I am come to see you because of our old friendship." Wherefore Zhang Liao threw aside his sword, dismounted, and came forward saluting. And the two sat down. "Then naturally you have come to talk me over," said Guan Yu. "Not so!" said Zhang Liao. "Sometime ago you saved me. Can I help saving you?" "Then you desire to help me." "Not exactly that," replied Zhang Liao. "Then what are you doing here if you have not come to help me?" | |
| 5 | 屯土山关... : | 辽曰：“玄德不知存亡，翼德未知生死。昨夜曹公已破下邳，军民尽无伤害，差人护卫玄德家眷，不许惊扰。如此相待，弟特来报兄。”关公怒曰：“此言特说我也。吾今虽处绝地，视死如归。汝当速去，吾即下山迎战。”张辽大笑曰：“兄此言岂不为天下笑乎？”公曰：“吾仗忠义而死，安得为天下笑？”辽曰：“兄今即死，其罪有三。”公曰：“汝且说我那三罪？” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
"Nothing is known of the fate of your elder brother, nor whether your younger brother is alive or dead. Last night your city fell into the hands of Cao Cao, but neither soldiers nor people were harmed, and a special guard was set over the family of Liu Bei lest they should be alarmed. I came to tell you how well they had been treated." "This is certainly talking me over," said Guan Yu. "Though escape is impossible, yet I am not perturbed. I look upon death as going home. You had better depart quickly and let me go down and begin the struggle again." "Surely you must know everybody will ridicule you when they hear of this," said Zhang Liao. "I shall die for loyalty and righteousness. Who will laugh?" said Guan Yu. "You would be guilty of three faults if you died." "Tell me them," said Guan Yu. | |
| 6 | 屯土山关... : | 辽曰：“当初刘使君与兄结义之时，誓同生死；今使君方败，而兄即战死，倘使君复出，欲求兄相助，而不可复得，岂不负当年之盟誓乎？其罪一也。刘使君以家眷付托于兄，兄今战死，二夫人无所倚赖，负却使君依托之重。其罪二也。兄武艺超群，兼通经史，不思共使君匡扶汉室，徒欲赴汤蹈火，以成匹夫之勇，安得为义？其罪三也。──兄有此三罪，弟不得不告。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: | "First of all, you and your elder brother pledged yourselves in the Peach Garden to die or to live together. Now your brother has been defeated, and you want to fight to the death. Therefore, if your brother appears again by and by and wants your help, he will seek it in vain. Is this anything else than betraying the Peach Garden Oath? Secondly, you are in charge of your brother's family and, if you fought and died, the two women would be left forlorn and without a protector. That would be a betrayal of trust. Thirdly, your military skill stands out conspicuous and will go down in history. If you do not aid your brother in his noble attempt to maintain the dynasty, then all your labors and sufferings will have been spent to win a worthless reputation as a valiant fool. Where is the sense in that? I feel it my duty to point out these three faults to you." | |
| 7 | 屯土山关... : | 公沈吟曰：“汝说我有三罪，欲我如何？”辽曰：“今四面皆曹公之兵，兄若不降，则必死；徒死无益，不若且降曹公；却打听刘使君音信，知何处，即往投之。一者可以保二夫人，二者不背桃园之约，三者可留有用之身。有此三便，兄宜详之。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Guan Yu remained silent and thought for some time. Then he said, "You have spoken of my three faults. What do you desire?" "You are surrounded with the certainty of death if you do not yield. There is no advantage in a useless death. Wherefore your best course is to yield to Cao Cao till you hear news of Liu Bei and can rejoin him. Thus you will ensure the safety of the two ladies and also keep inviolate the Peach Garden compact. You will preserve a useful life. Brother, you must reflect on these things." | |
| 8 | 屯土山关... : | 公曰：“兄言三便，吾有三约。若丞相能从我，即当卸甲；如其不允，吾宁受三罪而死。”辽曰：“丞相宽洪大量，何所不容？愿闻三事。”公曰：“一者，吾与皇叔设誓，共扶汉室，吾今只降汉帝，不降曹操；二者，二嫂处请给皇叔俸禄赡，一应上下人等，皆不许到门；三者，但知刘皇叔去向，不管千里万里，便当辞去。三者缺一，断不肯降。望文远急急回报。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
"Brother, you have spoken of three advantages; now I have three conditions. If the Prime Minister concede these, then will I doff my armor. If he refuses, then I prefer to be guilty of the three faults and die." "Why should the Prime Minister not concede them? He is most liberal and large minded. I pray you let me hear your conditions." "The first is that as I and the Imperial Uncle have sworn to support the Hans, I now submit to the Emperor and not to His Prime Minister Cao Cao. The second condition is that suitable provision be made for the two ladies under my care and that no one shall be allowed to approach them. The third is that I shall be allowed to set off to rejoin Uncle Liu Bei so soon as I shall hear where he is, whether it be far or near. I require all these to be satisfied. Failing a single one, I will not submit. Wherefore, Zhang Liao, I pray you hasten back and announce them." | |
| 9 | 屯土山关... : | 张辽应诺，遂上马，回见曹操，先说降汉不降曹之事。操笑曰；“吾为汉相，汉即吾也。此可从之。”辽又言：“二夫人欲请皇叔俸给，并上下人等不许到门。”操曰：“吾于皇叔俸内，更加倍与之。至于严禁内外，乃是家法，又何疑焉？”辽又曰：“但知玄德信息，虽远必往。”操摇首曰：“然则吾养云长何用？此事却难从。”辽曰：“岂不闻豫让众人国士之论乎？刘玄德待云长不过恩厚耳。丞相更施厚恩以结其心，何忧云长之不服也？”操曰：“文远之言甚当，吾愿从此三事。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Zhang Liao lost no time but rode back to Cao Cao. When he spoke of Guan Yu's intention to submit to the Hans but not to Cao Cao, the latter laughed, saying, "As I am a minister of Han, so am I Han. I grant that." Zhang Liao then spoke of provision due to their rank and security from molestation for the ladies, to which Cao Cao replied, "I will give them twice the regular amount for an Uncle of the Emperor. As for securing them from molestation, that is simple. The ordinary domestic law is enough. Why should there be any doubt?" Then said Zhang Liao, "Whenever he shall get news of the whereabouts of Liu Bei, he must go to him." At this Cao Cao shook his head, saying, "Then I am merely to feed Guan Yu. What is the use of this? I cannot consent." Zhang Liao replied, "You must know of Yu Rang's saying: The difference in behavior brought about by difference of treatment? Liu Bei treats Guan Yu just kindly and liberally. You can surely engage Guan Yu's heart and support by being kinder and more liberal." "What you say is much to the point. I will grant the three conditions," said Cao Cao. | |
| 10 | 屯土山关... : | 张辽再往上回报关公。关公曰：“虽然如此，暂请丞相退军，容我入城见二嫂，告知其事，然后投降。”张辽再回，以此言报曹操。操即传令，退军至十里。荀彧曰：“不可。恐有诈。”操曰：“云长义士，必不失信。”遂引军退。关公引兵入下邳，见人民安妥不动，竟到府中，来见二嫂。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Whereupon Zhang Liao left to carry the news to Guan Yu, still on the summit of the Tushan Mountains. Said Guan Yu, "Now I expect the army to withdraw so that I may enter the city to tell the two ladies what has been arranged. After that I submit at once." Zhang Liao rode back once more with this request, and the order was given for the army to retire three miles. "Do not do this," said Xun Yu. "I fear treachery." "He will certainly not break faith," said Cao Cao. "He is too high principled." The army retired, and Guan Yu with his force reentered the city of Xiapi, where he saw that the people were following their ordinary avocations in tranquillity. He came to the palace and went in to see the two ladies. | |
| 11 | 屯土山关... : | 甘、糜二夫人听得关公到来，急出迎之。公拜于阶下曰：“使二嫂受惊，某之罪也。”二夫人曰：“皇叔今在何处？”公曰：“不知去向。”二夫人曰：“二叔今将若何？”公曰：“关某出城死战，被困土山，张辽劝我投降，我以三事相约。曹操已皆允从，故特退兵，放我入城。我不曾得嫂嫂主意，未敢擅便。”二夫人问那三事。关公将上项三事，备述一遍。甘夫人曰：“昨日曹军入城，我等皆以为必死；谁想毫发不动，，一军不敢入门。叔叔既已领诺，何必问我二人？只恐日后曹操不肯容叔叔去寻皇叔。”公曰：“嫂嫂放心，关某自有主张。”二夫人曰：“叔叔自家裁处，凡事不必问俺女流。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
The two ladies hastened to meet him Guan Yu. He bowed to them below the steps and said, "I apologize for having caused you to feel alarmed." "Where is the Uncle?" asked they. "I know not whither he has gone." "What do you intend to do, brother-in-law?" "I went out of the city to try a last battle. I was surrounded on a hill top, and Zhang Liao has urged me to yield. I proposed three conditions, all of which were conceded, and the enemy drew off to allow me to return to the city. Unless I have your decision, sisters-in-law, I scarcely dare to take any final step." They asked what were the conditions and were told. Lady Gan said, "When Cao Cao's army came in, we took it to mean certain death. But it is scarcely credible that not a hair of our heads has been disturbed. Not a soldier has dared enter our doors. You have accepted the conditions, brother-in-law, and there is no need to ask our consent. Our only fear is that he will not let you go by and by to search for the Uncle." "Sisters-in-law, you need not be anxious. I will see to that." "You must decide everything and need not ask us." | |
| 12 | 屯土山关... : | 关公辞退，遂引数十骑来见曹操。操自出辕门相接。关公下马入拜，操慌忙答礼。关公曰：“败兵之将，深荷不杀之恩。”操曰：“素慕云长忠义，今日幸得相见，足慰平生之望。”关公曰：“文远代禀三事，蒙丞相应允，谅不食言。”操曰：“吾言既出，安敢失信？”关公曰：“关某若知皇叔所在，虽蹈水火，必往从之。此时恐不及拜辞，伏乞见原。”操曰：“玄德若在，必从公去；但恐乱军中亡矣。公且宽心，尚容缉听。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Guan Yu withdrew and then, with a small escort, went to his interview with Cao Cao. Cao Cao came to the outermost gate to welcome him, and Guan Yu dismounted and made obeisance. Cao Cao returned his salute with the greatest cordiality. "The leader of a defeated army is grateful for the graciousness that has preserved his life," said Guan Yu. "I have so long admired your loyalty and high principles that this happy meeting gratifies the desire of my whole life," replied Cao Cao. "As the Prime Minister has granted the three requests which my friend petitioned for on my behalf, there is now but little to discuss," said Guan Yu. "As I have spoken, so be it. I could not break faith," replied Cao Cao. "Whenever I hear where Uncle Liu Bei is, I must certainly go to him, even if through fire and water. It may be that there will be no time nor opportunity of saying farewell. I trust you will understand the reason." "If Liu Bei should prove to be alive, you must certainly be allowed to go to him. But I fear that in the confusion he may have lost his life. You may set your mind at rest and let me make inquiries." | |
| 13 | 屯土山关... : | 关公拜谢。操设宴相待。次日班师还许昌。关公收拾车仗，请二嫂上车，亲自护车而行。于路安歇驿馆，操欲乱其君臣之礼，使关公与二嫂共处一室。关公乃秉烛立于户外，自夜达旦，毫无倦色。操见公如此，愈加敬服。既到许昌，操拨一府与关公居住。关公分一宅为两院，内门拨老军十人把守。关公自居外宅。操引关公朝见献帝，帝命为偏将军。公谢恩归宅。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Guan Yu thanked him. Then a banquet was prepared in Guan Yu's honor. Next day the army started on its homeward march. For the journey to the capital, a carriage was prepared for the two ladies, and Guan Yu was its guard. On the road they rested at a certain post station, and Cao Cao, anxious to compromise Guan Yu by beguiling him into forgetfulness of his duty, assigned Guan Yu to the same apartment as his sisters-in-law. Guan Yu stood the whole night before the door with a lighted candle in his hand. Not once did he yield to fatigue. Cao Cao's respect for him could not but increase. At the capital the Prime Minister assigned a dignified residence to Guan Yu, which he immediately divided into two enclosures, the inner one for the two ladies and the other for himself. He placed a guard of eighteen of his veterans over the women's quarters. Guan Yu was presented to Emperor Xian who conferred upon him the rank of General Who Serves the Hans. Guan Yu expressed his thanks to the Emperor. | |
| 14 | 屯土山关... : | 操次日设大宴，会众谋臣武士，以客礼待关公，延之上座；又备绫锦及金银器皿相送。关公都送与二嫂收贮。关公自到许昌，操待之甚厚；小宴三日，大宴五日；又送美女十人，使侍关公。关公尽送入内门，令伏侍二嫂。却又三日一次于内门外躬身施礼，动问二嫂安否。二夫人回问皇叔之事毕，曰：“叔叔自便。”关公方敢退回。操闻之，又叹关公不已。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Next day Cao Cao made a great banquet, inviting all his advisers and officers, solely in honor of Guan Yu, who sat in the seat of honor. Beside this Guan Yu received presents of silks and gold and silver vessels, all of which Guan Yu sent into the ladies' quarters for their use and keeping. In fact from the day of arrival in the capital, Guan Yu was treated with marked respect and distinction, small banquets following each other in each three days, and large banquets held in each five days. Cao Cao also presented him with ten most lovely serving girls. Guan Yu sent these also within to wait upon his two sisters-in-law. Every third day Guan Yu went to the door of the women's quarters to inquire after their welfare, and then they asked if any news of the wanderer had come. This ceremony closed with the words: "Brother-in-law, you may retire when you wish." Cao Cao heard of this extremely correct behavior and thought all the more of the man for it. | |
| 15 | 屯土山关... : | 一日，操见关公所穿绿锦战袍已旧，即度其身品，取异锦作战袍一领相赠。关公受之，穿于衣底，上仍用旧袍罩之。操笑曰：“云长何如此之俭乎？”公曰：“某非俭也。旧袍乃刘皇叔所赐，某穿之如见兄面，不敢以丞相之新赐而忘兄长之旧赐，故穿于上。”操叹曰：“真义士也！”然口虽称羡，心实不悦。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
One day Cao Cao noticed that the robe Guan Yu was wearing was old and frayed. Taking his measurements, Cao Cao had a new one made of fine brocade and presented it to him. Guan Yu took it and put it on under the old robe, so that the latter covered it. "Why so very thrifty?" laughed Cao Cao. "It is not thrift," was his reply. "The old robe was a gift from my brother, and I wear it because it reminds me of him. I could not allow the new gift to eclipse his old one." "How very high principled!" said Cao Cao, sighing. | |
| 16 | 屯土山关... : | 一日，关公在府，忽报：“内院二夫人哭倒于地，不知为何，请将军速入。”关公乃整衣跪于内门外，问二嫂为何悲泣。甘夫人曰：“我夜梦皇叔身陷于土坑之内，觉来与糜夫人论之，想在九泉之下矣，是以相哭。”关公曰；“梦寐之事，不可凭信。此嫂嫂想念之故。请勿忧愁。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
One day when Guan Yu was at home, there came a messenger to say that the two women had thrown themselves on the ground and were weeping. They would not say why. Guan Yu set his dress in order, went over, and knelt by the door, saying, "Why this grief, sisters-in-law?" Lady Gan replied, "In the night I dreamed that the Uncle had fallen into a pit. I woke up and told Lady Mi, and we think he must be dead. So we weep." "Dreams are not to be credited," he replied. "You dreamed of him because you were thinking of him. Pray do not grieve." | |
| 17 | 屯土山关... : | 正说间，适曹操命使来请关公赴宴。公辞二嫂，往见操。操见公有泪容，问其故。公曰：“二嫂思兄痛哭，不由某心不悲。”操笑而宽解之，频以酒相劝。公醉，自绰其髯而言曰：“生不能报国家，而背其兄，徒为人也！”操问曰：“云长髯有数乎？”公曰：“约数百根。每秋月约退三五根。冬月多以皂纱囊裹之，恐其断也。”操以纱锦作囊，与关公护髯。次日，早朝见帝。帝见关公一纱锦囊垂于胸次，帝问之。关公奏曰：“臣髯颇长，丞相赐囊贮之。”帝令当殿披拂，过于其腹。帝曰：“真美髯公也！”因此人皆呼为美髯公。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Just then Guan Yu was invited to another banquet, so he took leave of the ladies and went. Seeing Guan Yu looked sad and tearful, his host asked the reason. "My sisters-in-law have been weeping for my brother, and I cannot help being sad in sympathy." Cao Cao smiled and tried to cheer up his guest. Cao Cao plied Guan Yu with wine so that Guan Yu became quite intoxicated and sat stroking his beard and saying, "What a useless thing am I! I could do no service for my country, and I have parted from my elder brother." "How many hairs in your beard?" suddenly asked his host. "Some hundreds, perhaps. In the autumn a few fall out, but in the winter it is fullest. Then I use a black silk bag to keep the hairs from being broken," replied Guan Yu. Cao Cao had a bag made for him to protect his beard. Soon after when they were at court, the Emperor asked what was the bag he saw on Guan Yu's breast. "My beard is rather long, Your Majesty," said Guan Yu. "So the Prime Minister gave me a bag to protect it." The Emperor bade him take off the bag and show his beard in all its fullness and it fell in rippling waves below his breast. "Really a most beautiful beard!" said the Emperor. This is why people call him: "The Man with the Beautiful Beard." | |
| 18 | 屯土山关... : | 忽一日，操请关公宴。临散，送公出府，见公马瘦，操曰：“公马因何瘦？”关公曰：“贱躯颇重，马不能载，因此常瘦。”操令左右备一马来。须臾牵至。那马身如火炭，状甚雄伟。操指曰：“公识此马否？”公曰：“莫非吕布所骑赤马乎？”操曰：“然也。”遂并鞍辔送与关公。关公再拜称谢。操不悦曰：“吾累送美女金帛，公未尝下拜；今吾赠马，乃喜而再拜，何贱人贵畜耶？”关公曰：“吾知此马日行千里，今幸得之，若知兄长下落，可一日而见面矣。”操愕然悔。关公辞去。后人有诗叹曰： |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Another time, after a banquet, Cao Cao was seeing his guest start from the gate of his palace when he noticed that his charger was very thin. "Why is it so thin?" said Cao Cao. "My worthless body is rather heavy and really too much for it. It is always out of condition." Cao Cao at once told his attendants to bring out a certain steed, and before long it appeared. It was red, like glowing charcoal, and a handsome creature in every way. "Do you recognize it?" asked Cao Cao. "Why, it is no other than Red Hare!" cried Guan Yu. "Yes, it is Red Hare," said Cao Cao. And he presented the horse, all fully caparisoned, to his guest. Guan Yu bowed many times and thanked him again and again, till Cao Cao began to feel displeased and said, "I have given you many things, lovely handmaids and gold and silks and never won a bow of gratitude from you before. This horse seems to please you better than all the rest. Why do you think so poorly of the damsels and so much of the steed?" "I know the horse: It can travel three hundred miles a day, and I am very lucky to get him. Now as soon as I find out where my brother is, I can get to him in a single day," said Guan Yu. Cao Cao grumbled to himself and began to repent of his gift. | |
| 威倾三国著英豪，一宅分居义气高。奸相枉将虚礼待，岂知关羽不降曹。 | ||
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Fortune dealt a stunning blow, still he played his part; Partitioning his dwelling proved his purity of heart. The crafty minister desired to win him to his side, But felt that failure was foredoomed however much he tried. | ||
| 19 | 屯土山关... : | 操问张辽曰：“吾待云长不薄，而彼常怀去心，何也？”辽曰：“容某探其情。”次日，往见关公。礼毕，辽曰：“我荐兄在丞相处，不曾落后？”公曰：“深感丞相厚意；只是吾身虽在此，心念皇叔，未尝去怀。”辽曰：“兄言差矣。处世不分轻重，非丈夫也。玄德待兄，未必过于丞相，兄何故只怀去志？”公曰：“吾固知曹公待吾甚厚；奈吾受刘皇叔厚恩，誓以共死，不可背之。吾终不留此。要必立以报曹公，然后去耳。”辽曰：“倘玄德已弃世，公何所归乎？”公曰：“愿从于地下。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Said Cao Cao to Zhang Liao, "I have treated Guan Yu pretty liberally, but he still cherishes the desire to leave me. Do you know if it is really so?" "I will try to find out," was the reply. So Zhang Liao took an early opportunity of seeing Guan Yu, and when the politeness of the visit were over, Zhang Liao said, "I recommended you to the Prime Minister, and you have not lost much by that." "I am deeply affected by his kindness and bounty," said Guan Yu, "but, though my body is here, yet I am always thinking of my brother." "Your words do not express present conditions quite correctly. One who lives in the world without discrimination and consideration of his relations with others is not the most admirable type of person. Even Liu Bei never treated you better than does the Prime Minister. Why then do you maintain this desire to get away?" "I know only too well that he has been most kind, but I have also received great kindness from Uncle Liu Bei. Beside we have sworn to die together, and I cannot remain here. But before I go, I must try to render the Prime Minister some signal service to prove my gratitude." "Supposing Liu Bei should have left the world, whither will you go?" said Zhang Liao. "I will follow him to the below realms of Nine Golden Springs." | |
| 20 | 屯土山关... : | 辽知公终不可留，乃告退，回见曹操，具以实告。操叹曰：“事主不忘其本，乃天下之义士也！”荀彧曰：“彼言立功方去，若不教彼立功，未必便去。”操然之。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
There could no longer be the least doubt as to Guan Yu's intentions, and Zhang Liao told Cao Cao just how matters stood. Cao Cao sighed. "To serve one's chief with unswerving fidelity is a proof of the highest principle of all," said he. Said Xun Yu, "He spoke of performing some act of service before leaving. If he gets no chance of such a thing, he will not be able to go." Cao Cao agreed that this was so. | |
| 21 | 屯土山关... : | 却说玄德在袁绍处，旦夕烦恼。绍曰：“玄德何故常忧？”玄德曰：“二弟不知音耗，妻小陷于曹贼；上不能报国，下不能保家，安得不忧？”绍曰：“吾欲进兵赴许都久矣。方今春暖，正好兴兵。”便商议破曹之策。田丰谏曰：“前操攻徐州，许都空虚，不及此时进兵；今徐州已破，操兵方锐，未可轻敌。不如以久持之，待其有隙而后可动也。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Liu Bei went to Yuan Shao for refuge. Here Liu Bei was always sorrowful and, when asked the reason, said he did not know where his brothers were nor what had happened to his family since they fell into the hands of Cao Cao. "Why should I not be sad when I have failed towards my country and my family?" said he. "I have long wished to attack Xuchang," said Yuan Shao. "Now it is autumn and just the time for an expedition, so let us discuss plans for the destruction of Cao Cao." Tian Feng at once opposed this. "When Cao Cao attacked Xuzhou and Xuchang was undefended, you let the chance slip by. Now that Xuzhou has been captured, and their soldiers are flushed with victory, it would be madness to attempt it. It is necessary to await another chance." | |
| 22 | 屯土山关... : | 绍曰：“待我思之。”因问玄德曰：“田丰劝我固守，何如？”玄德曰：“曹操欺君之贼，明公若不讨之，恐失大义于天下。”绍曰：“玄德之言甚善。”遂欲兴兵。田丰又谏。绍怒曰：“汝等弄文轻武，使我失大义！”田丰顿首曰：“若不听臣良言，出师不利。”绍大怒，欲斩之。玄德力劝，乃囚于狱中。沮授见田丰下狱，乃会其宗族，尽散家财，与之诀曰：“吾随军而去，胜则威无不加，败则一身不保矣！”众皆下泪送之。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
"Let me think about it," said Yuan Shao. He asked advice from Liu Bei whether to attack or to hold on. Liu Bei replied, "Cao Cao is a rebel. I think you are failing in your duty if you do not attack him." "Your words are good," said Yuan Shao. He made up his mind to move. But again the adviser Tian Feng intervened. Then Yuan Shao grew angry, saying, "You fellows who cultivate literature and despise war have made me miss a lot!" Tian Feng bowed his head and said, "Neglect your servant's wise words, and you will fail in the field." Yuan Shao was so angry that he wanted to put Tian Feng to death. However, Liu Bei begged him off and he was only imprisoned. Seeing the fate of his colleague, another adviser, Ju Shou, assembled his clan and distributed among them all his possessions, saying, "I go with the army. If we succeed, then nothing can exceed our glory; but if we are defeated, the risk I run is great." His friends wept as they said farewell. | |
| 23 | 屯土山关... : | 绍遣大将颜良作先锋，进攻白马。沮授谏曰：“颜良性狭，虽骁勇，不可独任。”绍曰：“吾之上将，非汝等可料。”大军进发至黎阳，东邵太守刘延告急许昌。曹操急议兴兵抵敌。关公闻知，遂入相府见操曰：“闻丞相起兵，某愿为前部。”操曰：“未敢烦将军。早晚有事，当来相请。”关公乃退。操引兵十五万，分三面队行。于路又连接刘延告急文书，操先提五万军亲临白马，靠土山札住。遥望山前平川旷野之地，颜良前部精兵十万，排成阵势。操骇然，回顾吕布旧将宋宪曰：“吾闻汝乃吕布部下猛将，今可与颜良一战。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
General Yan Liang was appointed to the command of the advance guard, to go to attack Baima. Then Ju Shou first protested, "His mind is too narrow for such a post. He is brave but unequal to such a trust." "You are not the sort of man to measure my best generals," replied Yuan Shao. The army marched to Liyang, and Governor Liu Yue of Dongjun sent an urgent call to Xuchang for aid. Cao Cao moved his armies hastily. As soon as the news of battle got about, Guan Yu went to see the Prime Minister and said, "Illustrious Sir, the army is mobilized. I volunteer for the van leader." "I scarcely dare put you to such inconvenience, but presently, if need arises, I will call upon you." So Guan Yu retired, and one hundred fifty thousand soldiers marched out in three directions. On the road the letters from Liu Yue arrived praying for help, and Cao Cao marched the first fifty thousand troops to Baima and took up a position supported by the hills. In the wide plains in front of them, Yan Liang was encamped with one hundred thousand veterans. Cao Cao was frightened at the force opposed to him and, returning to camp, spoke to Song Xian, who had once served under Lu Bu, saying, "You are one of Lu Bu's famous veteran generals. Can you give battle to this Yan Liang?" | |
| 24 | 屯土山关... : | 宋宪领诺，绰枪上马，直出阵前。颜良横刀立马于门旗下；见宋宪马至，良大喝一声，纵马来迎。战不三合，手起刀落，斩宋宪于阵前。曹操大惊曰：“真勇将也！”魏续曰：“杀我同伴，愿去报雠！”操许之。续上马持矛，迳出阵前，大骂颜良。良更不打话，交马一合，照头一刀，劈魏续于马下。操曰：“今谁敢当之？”徐晃应声而出，与颜良战二十合，败归本阵。诸将栗然。曹操收军，良亦引军退去。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Song Xian agreed to try. He armed himself, mounted, and rode to the front. Yan Liang was there on horseback, his sword lying crossways. Seeing an opponent approaching, he uttered a loud shout and galloped toward Song Xian. The two met, but after only three bouts, Song Xian fell under a mighty slash from Yan Liang's sword. "What a terrible leader!" said Cao Cao. "He has slain my comrade, I want to go and avenge him," then cried Wei Xu. Cao Cao bade him go and he rode out, spear set, and in front of the army railed at Yan Liang. Yan Liang replied not a word, but their two steeds came together; and at the first blow from Yan Liang's sword, Wei Xu's forehead was halved. "Now, who again dares face him?" cried Cao Cao. Xu Huang took up the challenge and he went out. The combat endured twenty bouts, and then Xu Huang fled back to his own side. The other generals were now greatly depressed at their failure. Cao Cao withdrew his army, and Yan Liang also marched off his force. | |
| 25 | 屯土山关... : | 操见连折二将，心中忧闷。程昱曰：“某举一人可敌颜良。”操问是谁。昱曰：“非关公不可。”操曰：“吾恐他立了功便去。”昱曰：“刘备若在必投袁绍；今若使云长破袁绍之兵，绍必疑刘备而杀之矣。备既死，云长又安往乎？”操大喜，遂差人去请关公。关公即入辞二嫂。二嫂曰：“叔叔此去，可打听皇叔消息。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Cao Cao felt very sad at the loss of two generals in quick succession. Then Cheng Yu went to see his chief, saying, "I can produce a man the equal of Yan Liang." "Who?" cried Cao Cao. "No other than Guan Yu." "I am afraid that if he is given an opportunity to perform that return service he spoke of, he will leave me." "If Liu Bei is still alive, he is with Yuan Shao. If you get Guan Yu to defeat Yuan Shao's army, Yuan Shao will look askance at Liu Bei and put him to death. Liu Bei gone, where can Guan Yu go?" This argument appealed to Cao Cao at once, and he sent to request Guan Yu to come. Previous to obeying the call, Guan Yu went to say farewell to his sisters-in-law. "You may get news of the Uncle on the journey," said they. | |
| 26 | 屯土山关... : | 关公领诺而出，提青龙刀，上赤兔马，引从者数人，直至白马来见曹操。操叙说颜良连诛二将，勇不可当，特请云长商议。关公曰：“容某观之。”操置酒相待。忽报颜良搦战，操引关公上土山观看。操与关公坐，诸将环立。曹操指山下颜良排的阵势，旗帜鲜明，枪刀森布，严整有威，乃谓关公曰：“河北人马，如此雄壮！”关公曰：“以吾观之，如土鸡瓦犬耳！”操又指曰：“麾盖之下，锈袍金甲，持刀立马者，乃颜良也。”关举目一望，谓操曰：“吾观颜良，如插标卖首耳！”操曰：“未可轻视。”关公起身曰：“某虽不才，愿去万军中取其首级，来献丞相。”张辽曰：“军中无戏言，云长不可忽也。” |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
"Yes," said Guan Yu and left them. Armed with his green-dragon saber, riding on the swift steed Red Hare, and having but a slender following, Guan Yu was not long in arriving at Baima. He saw Cao Cao, who told him what had happened. Yan Liang was too valiant for any to face. "Let me look at him," said Guan Yu. Then wine was served for his refreshment, and while they were drinking, it was reported that Yan Liang once again offered a challenge. So Cao Cao and his guest and staff went to the summit of a hill whence the enemy could be seen. Cao Cao and Guan Yu sat on the hill top, and the commanders stood about them. Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang's troops arrayed on the plains below. The ensigns and banners waving fresh and bright amid the forest of spears and swords made a grand and imposing spectacle. "See how formidable these soldiers of the North of Yellow River are," said Cao Cao. "I regard them as so many clay fowls and mud dogs," said Guan Yu. Cao Cao pointed out Yan Liang, saying, "There under that grand umbrella, in that embroidered robe and that silver breastplate and riding on horseback and gripping that huge sword is Yan Liang." "His head looks as though it was stuck on a pole for sale," said Guan Yu, just glancing over the army at his feet. "He is very terrible. You must not despise him," said Cao Cao. Guan Yu rose, saying, "I am a poor thing, but I will go over and bring you his head if you like." "Joking is not allowed in this army," interposed Zhang Liao. "Please be careful what you say, General." | |
| 27 | 屯土山关... : | 关公奋然上马，倒提青龙刀，跑下山来，凤目圆睁，蚕眉直竖，直冲彼阵，河北军如波开浪裂。关公迳奔颜良。颜良正在麾盖下，见关公冲来，方欲问时，关公赤兔马快，早已跑到面前；颜良措手不及，被云长手起一刀，刺于马下。忽地下马，割了颜良首级，拴于马项之下，飞身上马，提刀出阵，如入无人之境。河北兵将大惊，不战自乱。曹军乘势攻击，死者不可胜数；马匹器械，抢夺极多。关公纵马上山，众将尽皆称贺。公献首级于操前。操曰：“将军真神人也！”关公曰：“某何足道哉！吾弟张翼德于百万军中取上将之首，如探囊取物耳。”操大惊，回顾左右曰：“今后如遇张翼德，不可轻敌。”令写于衣袍襟底以记之。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
Guan Yu quickly mounted, turned down his mighty weapon, and galloped down the hill, his phoenix eyes rounded, and his silkworm eyebrows fiercely bristling. He dashed straight into the enemy's array, and the northern soldiers opened like falling waves and dissolving storms. He made directly for the commander. Now Yan Liang sitting there in state saw a horseman rushing toward him, and just as he began to ask who the rider of the red horse was, lo! the horseman was there. Taken utterly by surprise, the leader could make no defense. Guan Yu's arm rose and the mighty weapon fell. And with it fell Yan Liang. Leaping from the saddle, Guan Yu cut off his victim's head and hung it to his horse's neck. Then he mounted and rode out, just as if there was no army there. The northern troops, panic stricken, made no fight. Cao Cao's army attacked with full force and slew great numbers of them. They captured many horses and weapons and much military gear. Guan Yu rode quickly back up the hill and laid the proof of his prowess at the feet of the Prime Minister. "You are more than human, General!" cried Cao Cao. "What have I done to talk about?" said Guan Yu. "My brother, Zhang Fei, did the same thing in an army of a hundred legions, and did it as easily as picking something from his own pocket." Cao Cao marveled at the statement and turning to those about him said, "If you meet this Zhang Fei, be careful." And he bade them make a note on the overlap of their robes so that they should remember. | |
| 28 | 屯土山关... : | 却说颜良败军奔回，半路迎见袁绍，报说被赤面长须使大刀一勇将，匹马入阵，斩颜良而去，因此大败。绍惊问曰：“此人是谁？”沮授曰：“此必是刘玄德之弟关云长也。”绍大怒，指玄德曰：“汝弟斩吾爱将，汝必通谋，留你何用！”唤刀斧手推出玄德斩之。正是：初见方为座上客，此日几同阶下囚。未知玄德性命如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Besieged In Tushan, Guan...: |
The beaten army returning northward met Yuan Shao on the road and told their story. "A red-faced warrior with a long beard, wielding a huge, long-handled sword, broke into the army, cut off the General's head and bore it off," said they. "Who was this?" asked Yuan Shao. Ju Shou said, "It must have been Liu Bei's brother, Guan Yu. It could be nobody else." Yuan Shao was very angry and, pointing to Liu Bei, he said, "Your brother has slain my beloved leader. You are in the plot too. Why should I save you alive?" He bade the lictors take Liu Bei away and behead him. Morning saw him guest on high. Evening, prisoner, doomed to die. Liu Bei's actual fate will be told in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch25