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| Simplified Chinese version |
《袁本初败兵折将，关云长挂印封金 - Yuan Shao Loses Another Leader; Guan Yu Abandons Rank And Wealth》 |
| 1 | 袁本初败... : | 却说袁绍欲斩玄德。玄德从容进曰：“明公只听一面之词，而绝向日之情耶？备自徐州失散，二弟云长未知存否；天下同貌者不少，岂赤面长须之人，即为关某也？明公何不察之？”袁绍是个没主张的人，闻玄德之言，责沮授曰：“误听汝言，险杀好人。”遂仍请玄德上帐坐，议报颜良之雠。帐下一人应声而进曰：“颜良与我如兄弟，今被曹贼所杀，我安得不泄此恨？” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
As the last chapter closed, Liu Bei had been condemned to die. Liu Bei spoke up, however, and said, "Pray hear one word, Illustrious Sir, before you decide. I have lost sight of my brother since my misfortune at Xuzhou and know not whether Guan Yu be dead or alive. There are many men in the world who resemble him. Is every red-faced man with a beard named Guan Yu? Should you not rather seek some evidence?" Now Yuan Shao was impulsive and facile by nature, and when Liu Bei spoke thus, he suddenly turned upon Ju Shou, saying, "By wrongly regarding what you said, I nearly killed an innocent person." Then Yuan Shao requested Liu Bei once more to resume his seat in the tent and give advice on how to avenge Yan Liang. Soon from the lower end a voice was heard, saying, "Yan Liang and I were as brothers, and can I allow any other to avenge his death?" | |
| 2 | 袁本初败... : | 玄德视其人，身长八尺，面如獬豸，乃河北名将文丑也。袁绍大喜曰：“非汝不能报颜良之雠。吾与十万军兵，便渡黄河，追杀曹贼！”沮授曰：“不可。今宜留屯延津，分兵官渡，乃为上策。若轻举渡河，设或有变，众皆不能还矣。”绍怒曰：“皆是汝等迟缓军心，迁延日月，有妨大事！岂不闻‘兵贵神速’乎？”沮授出，叹曰：“上盈其志，下务其功；悠悠黄河，吾其济乎！”遂托疾不出议事。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
The speaker was a man of eight-span height with a face like a jilin, a famous leader from the North of Yellow River, named Wen Chou. Yuan Shao was pleased and said, "You are the only man who can do it. I will give you one hundred thousand troops, and you can cross the Yellow River, and quickly smite that rebel Cao Cao. "You cannot do it. Wen Chou will fail," said Ju Shou. "The proper course is to hold Yanjin and detach a force to Guandu. If you rashly cross the river and anything goes wrong, not a soul will return." Yuan Shao said, "That is always the way with you fellows, always delaying and taking the dash out of the army. You put off today and postpone tomorrow till success has become impossible. Do you forget that promptitude is what each soldier honors?" The adviser withdrew sadly, saying, "Superiors do not curb their ambitions; inferiors crave for achievements; things are undone. Eternal is the course of Yellow River, shall I change it?" Thereafter Ju Shou feigned illness and went no more to the council. | |
| 3 | 袁本初败... : | 玄德曰：“备蒙大恩，无可报效，意欲与文将军同行：一者报明公之德，二者就探云长的实信。”绍喜，唤文丑与玄德同领前部。文丑曰：“刘玄德屡败之将，于军不利。既主公要他去时，某分三万军，教他为后部。”于是文丑自领七万军先行，令玄德引三万军随后。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Liu Bei said, "I have received much kindness at your hands and have been unable to show my gratitude. I would accompany General Wen Chou that I may repay your bounty and also that I may hear news of my brother." Yuan Shao gladly consented and ordered Wen Chou to share his command with Liu Bei. But the former objected, saying, "Liu Bei has been so often defeated that it will augur ill for success this time. Since you wish, I will give Liu Bei command of the rear guard of thirty thousand soldiers." And this being approved, three legions were told off under Liu Bei's special command to follow the main body. | |
| 4 | 袁本初败... : | 且说曹操见云长斩了颜良，倍加钦敬，表奏朝廷，封云长为汉寿亭侯，，铸印贻关公。忽报袁绍又使大将文丑渡黄河，已据延津之上。操乃先使人移徙居民于西河，然后自领兵迎之；传下将令，以后军为前军，以前军为后军；粮草先行，军兵在后。吕虔曰：“粮草在先，军兵在后，何意也？”操曰：“粮草在后，多被摽掠，故令在前。”虔曰：“倘遇敌军劫去，如之奈何？”操曰：“且待敌军到时，却有理会。” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
The prowess displayed by Guan Yu in the bold attack on Yan Liang redoubled Cao Cao's respect for him, and Cao Cao memorialized the Throne that Guan Yu receive the title of Lord of Hanshou, and a seal was cast for him. Just then came the unexpected news that Yuan Shao's army had moved toward the Yellow River and was in position above Yanjin. Cao Cao first sent to transfer the inhabitants to the west bank and then led out an army to oppose Yuan Shao. He issued an order to face about, thus placing the rear companies in front. The commissariat wagons were also placed in the van. "What is this reversal for?" asked Lu Qian. Cao Cao replied, "When the supplies are in rear, they are liable to be plundered. So I have put them first." "But if you meet the enemy and they steal them?" "Wait till the enemy appears. I shall know what to do." | |
| 5 | 袁本初败... : | 虔心疑未决。操令粮食辎重沿河堑至延津。操在后军，听得前军发喊，急教人看时，报说：“河北大将文丑兵至，我军皆弃粮草，四散奔走。后军又远，将如之何？”操以鞭指两阜曰：“此可暂避。”人马急奔土阜。操令军士皆解衣卸甲少歇，尽放其马。文丑军掩至。众将曰：“贼至矣！可急收马匹，退回白马！”荀攸急止之曰：“此正可以饵敌，何故反退？”操急以目视荀攸而笑。攸知其意，不复言。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Lu Qian was much exercised at this new move of the Prime Minister. In the meantime the supply train moved along the river toward Yanjin. Presently the foremost troops raised a great shout, and Cao Cao sent to see what it meant. The messenger came back, saying, "Wen Chou's army is approaching, and the supply train has been abandoned and is at the mercy of the enemy. The main body is still far behind. What to do next?" Thereupon Cao Cao pointed to two mounds, saying, "We will take refuge here for the present." All those near him hastened to the mounds. There Cao Cao ordered them all to loosen their dress, lay aside their breastplates, and rest a time. The horsemen turned their steeds loose. Wen Chou's soldiers approached under cover. As they drew near, the officers told Cao Cao, saying, "The rebels are near. We ought to catch the horses and go back to Baima." But Adviser Xun You checked them, saying, "These are a bait for the enemy. Why retire?" Cao Cao glanced across at him and said, "He understands. Do not say anything." | |
| 6 | 袁本初败... : | 文丑军既得粮草车仗，又来抢马。军士不依队伍，自相杂乱。曹操却令军将一齐下土阜击之，文丑军大乱。曹兵围里将来，文丑挺身独战，军士自相践踏。文丑止遏不住，只得拨马回走。操在土阜上指曰：“文丑为河北名将，谁可擒之？”张辽、徐晃，飞马齐出，大叫：“文丑休走！”文丑回头见二将赶上，遂按住铁枪，拈弓搭箭，正射张辽。徐晃大叫：“贼将休放箭！”张辽低头急躲，一箭射中头盔，将簪缨射去。辽奋力再赶，坐下战马，又被文丑一箭射中面颊。那马跪倒前蹄，张辽落地。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Now having got possession of the supply carts, the enemy next came to seize the horses. By this time they had all broken ranks and were scattered, each soldier going his own way. Then suddenly Cao Cao gave the order to go down from the mounds and smite them. The surprise was complete. Wen Chou's army was in confusion, and Cao Cao's army surrounded them. Wen Chou made a stand, but those about him trampled each other down, and he could do nothing but flee. And he fled. Then standing on the top of a mound Cao Cao pointed to the flying leader, calling out, "There is one of the most famous generals of the north. Who can capture him?" Zhang Liao and Xu Huang both mounted and dashed after him, crying, "Wen Chou, do not run away!" Looking round, the fugitive saw two pursuers, and then he set aside his spear, took his bow and adjusted an arrow, which he shot at Zhang Liao. "Cease shooting, you rebel!" shouted Xu Huang. Zhang Liao ducked his head, and the shaft went harmlessly by, save that it carried away the tassel of his cap. He only pressed harder in pursuit. The next arrow however struck his horse in the head, and the animal stumbled and fell, throwing its rider to the earth. | |
| 7 | 袁本初败... : | 文丑回马复来，徐晃急轮大斧，截住厮杀。只见文丑后面军马齐到，晃料敌不过，拨马而回。文丑沿河赶来。忽见十馀骑马，旗号翩翻，一将当头提刀飞马而来，乃关云长也，大喝：“贼将休走！”与文丑交马，战不三合，文丑心怯，拨马绕河而走。那关公马快，赶上文丑，脑后一刀，将文丑斩下马来。曹操在土阜上，见关公砍了文丑，大驱人马掩杀。河北军大半落水，粮草马匹仍被曹操夺回。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Then Wen Chou turned to come back. Xu Huang, whirling his battle-ax, stood in his way to stop Wen Chou. But Xu Huang saw behind Wen Chou several more horsemen coming to help; and as they would have been too many for him, he fled. Wen Chou pursued along the river bank. Suddenly he saw coming toward him with banners fluttering in the breeze, a small party of horse, and the leader carried a great sword. "Stop!" cried Guan Yu, for it was he, and he attacked at once. At the third bout Wen Chou's heart failed him, and he wheeled and fled, following the windings of the river. But Guan Yu's steed was fast and soon caught up. One blow, and the hapless Wen Chou fell. When Cao Cao saw from the mound that the leader of the enemy had fallen, he gave the signal for a general onset, and half of the northern army were drowned in the river. And the carts with supplies and all the horses were quickly recovered. | |
| 8 | 袁本初败... : | 云长引数骑东冲西突。正杀之间，刘玄德领三万军随后到。前面哨马探知，报与玄德云：“今番又是红面长髯的斩了文丑。”玄德慌忙骤马来看，隔河望见一簇人马，往来如飞，旗上写著“汉寿亭侯关云长”七字。玄德暗谢天地曰：“原来吾弟果然在曹操处！”欲待招呼相见，被曹兵大队拥来，只得收兵回去。袁绍接应官渡，下定寨栅。郭图、审配入见袁绍，说：“今番又是关某杀了文丑，刘备佯推不知。”袁绍大怒，骂曰：“大耳贼焉敢如此！” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Now Guan Yu, at the head of a few horsemen, was thrusting here and striking there at the moment when Liu Bei, with the thirty thousand reserve troops, appeared on the battle field on the other bank of the river. At once they told him that the red-faced, long-bearded warrior was there and had slain Wen Chou. Liu Bei hastily pressed forward to try to get a look at the warrior. He saw across the river a body of horse and the banners bore the words Guan Yu, Lord of Hanshou. "Then it is my brother, and he is really with Cao Cao," said Liu Bei, secretly thanking God that Guan Yu was safe. Liu Bei made an attempt to wait about till he could call to Guan Yu, but a great mass of Cao Cao's soldiers came rushing down, and he was forced to retire. Yuan Shao, bringing reinforcements, reached Guandu and built a stockade. Two advisers, Guo Tu and Shen Pei, went in to see him and said, "Again that fellow Guan Yu has been in the battle. He killed Wen Chou. Liu Bei pretends ignorance of him." Their master was angry and railed at Liu Bei, "The long-eared rebel! How dare he do such a thing?" | |
| 9 | 袁本初败... : | 少顷，玄德至，绍令推出斩之。玄德曰：“某有何罪？”绍曰：“你故使汝弟又坏我一员大将，如何无罪？”玄德曰：“容伸一言而死。曹操素忌备，今知备在明公处，恐备助公，故特使云长诛杀二将。公知必怒。此借公之手以杀刘备也，愿明公思之。”袁绍曰：“玄德之言是也。汝等几使我受害贤之名。”喝退左右，请玄德上帐而坐。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Soon Liu Bei appeared. Again Yuan Shao ordered him out to instant execution. "What crime have I committed?" asked Liu Bei. "You sent your brother to slay one of my generals. Is that no crime?" "Pray let me explain before I die. Cao Cao hated me and has always done so. Now he has found out where I am and, fearing that I may help you, has got my brother to destroy your two generals, feeling sure that when you heard of it, you would be angry and put me to death. You cannot fail to see this." "What he says is sense," said Yuan Shao, turning to his advisers, "and you two nearly brought on me the reproach of injuring the good." Yuan Shao ordered his attendants to retire and asked Liu Bei to come and sit by him. | |
| 10 | 袁本初败... : | 玄德谢曰：“荷明公宽大之恩，无可补报，欲令一心腹人持密书去见云长，使知刘备消息，彼必星夜来到，辅佐明公，共诛曹操，以报颜良、文丑之雠，若何？”袁绍大喜曰：“吾得云长，胜颜良、文丑十倍也。”玄德修下书札，未有人送去。绍令退军武阳，连营数十里，按兵不动。操乃使夏侯敦领兵守住官渡隘口，自己班师回许都，大宴众官，贺云长之功。因谓吕虔曰：“昔日吾以粮草在前者，乃饵敌之计也。惟荀公达知吾心耳。”众皆叹服。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Liu Bei came, saying, "I am deeply thankful, Illustrious Sir, for your great kindness, for which I can never be sufficiently grateful. Now I desire to send some confidential messenger with a secret letter to my brother to tell him where I am, and I am sure he will come without a moment's delay. He will help you to destroy Cao Cao to make up for having destroyed your two officers. Do you approve of this?" "If I got Guan Yu, he would be ten times better than the Yan Liang and Wen Chou that I have lost," replied Yuan Shao. So Liu Bei prepared a letter. But there was no one to take it. Yuan Shao ordered the army to withdraw to Wuyang, where they made a large camp. For some time nothing was done. Then Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to defend the strategic points at Guandu while he led the bulk of the army back to the capital. There he gave many banquets in honor of the services of Guan Yu, and then he told Lu Qian that putting the supplies in the front of the army had been meant as a bait to draw the enemy to destruction. "Only Xun You understood that," said Cao Cao in conclusion. Everyone present praised his ingenuity. | |
| 11 | 袁本初败... : | 正饮宴间，忽报“汝南有黄巾刘辟、龚都，甚是猖獗。曹洪累战不利，乞遗兵救之。”云长闻言，进曰：“关某愿施犬马之劳，破汝南贼寇。”操曰：“云长建立大功，未曾重酬，岂可复劳征进？”公曰：“关某久闲，必生疾病。”曹操壮之，点兵五万，使于禁、乐进为副将，次日便行。荀彧密谓操曰：“云长有归刘之心，倘知消息必去，不可频令出征。”操曰：“今次收功，吾不复教临敌矣。” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Even while the banquet was proceeding, there arrived news of a rising of Yellow Scarves rebels at Runan led by Liu Pi and Gong Du. They were very strong, and Cao Hong had been defeated in several engagements. Now he begged for help. Guan Yu hearing this said, "I should like to have the opportunity of performing some service by destroying these rebels." "You have already rendered noble services for which you have not been properly requited. I could hardly trouble you again," said Cao Cao. "I have been idle too long. I shall get ill," said Guan Yu. Cao Cao then let him to go and gave him fifty thousand troops with Yu Jin and Yue Jing as generals under him. They were to leave soon. Then Xun Yu said privily to his master, "He always cherishes the idea of returning to Liu Bei. He will leave you if he hears any news. Do not let him go on this expedition." "If he does well this time, I will not let him go into battle again," said Cao Cao. | |
| 12 | 袁本初败... : | 且说云长领兵将近汝南，札住营寨。当夜营外拏了两个细作人来。云长视之，内中认得一人，乃孙乾也。关公叱退左右，问乾曰：“公自溃散之后，一向迹不闻，今何为在此处？”乾曰：“某自逃难，飘泊汝南，幸得刘辟收留。今将军为何在曹操处？未识甘、糜二夫人无恙否？” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
In due time the force led by Guan Yu drew near the rebels in Runan and made their camp. One night, just outside his camp, two spies were caught and taken in to Guan Yu who in one of them recognized Sun Qian. The attendants being dismissed, Guan Yu questioned Sun Qian. "After we lost sight of each other, I have heard not a word of you. What are you doing here?" said Guan Yu. "After I escaped, I drifted hither and thither till I had the good fortune to reach Runan, and Liu Pi and Gong Du, the Yellow Scarves leaders, took me in. But why are you with Cao Cao, General? And where are your sisters-in-law? Are they well?" | |
| 13 | 袁本初败... : | 关公因将上项事，细说一遍。乾曰：“近闻玄德公在袁绍处，欲往投之，未得其便。今刘、龚二人归顺袁绍，相助攻曹。又幸得将军到此，因特令小军引路，教某为细作，来报将军。来日二人当虚败一阵，公可速引二夫人投袁绍处，与玄德公相见。”关公曰：“既兄在袁绍处，吾必星夜而往。但恨吾斩绍二将，恐今事变矣。”乾曰：“吾当先往探彼虚实，再来报将军。”公曰：“吾见兄长一面，虽万死不辞。今回许昌，便辞曹操也。”当夜密送孙乾去了。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Guan Yu told him all that had happened. "I have heard lately that Liu Bei is with Yuan Shao. I would have liked to go and join him, but I have not found a convenient opportunity. Now the two men I am with have taken the side of Yuan Shao against Cao Cao. By good luck you were coming here, so I got command of a small party of scouts to be able to see you and tell you. Presently our two leaders will pretend to be defeated and you, and the two ladies, can go over to Yuan Shao. And you will see your brother." "Since he is there, I certainly must go at once to see him. But it is a misfortune that I have slain two of Yuan Shao's generals. I fear things are not in my favor," said Guan Yu. "Let me go first and see how the land lies. I will come back and tell you." "I would risk a myriad deaths to see my brother," said Guan Yu. "But I must go to say farewell to Cao Cao." Sun Qian was sent away that night. | |
| 14 | 袁本初败... : | 次日，关公引兵出，龚都披挂出阵。关公曰：“汝等何故背反朝廷？”都曰：“汝乃背主之人，何反责我？”关公曰：“我为何背主？”都曰：“刘玄德在袁本初处，汝却从曹操，何也？”关公更不打话，拍马舞刀向前。龚都便走，关公赶上。都回身告关公曰：“故主之恩，不可忘也。公当速进，我让汝南。”关公会意，驱军掩杀。刘、龚二人佯输诈败，四散去了。云长夺得州县，安民已定，班师回许昌。曹操出郭迎接，赏劳军士。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
The next day Guan Yu led out his army to offer battle. Gong Du, in armor, went out to the front of the line of battle, and Guan Yu said, "You people, why have you risen against the government?" "Why do you blame us when you have turned your back on your own lord?" replied Gong Du. "How have I turned my back on my lord?" "Liu Bei is with Yuan Shao, and you are with Cao Cao. What is that?" Guan Yu could not reply, but he whirled round his sword and rode forward. Gong Du fled, and Guan Yu followed. Gong Du turned and said to Guan Yu, "Do not forget your old chief's kindness. Now attack as soon as you can, and I will give up the defense." Guan Yu understood and urged on his troops. The leaders of the rebels pretended they were worsted, and they all scattered. So Runan was retaken. Having pacified the people, Guan Yu quickly led his army back to the capital, where he was met by Cao Cao and congratulated on his success and feasted. | |
| 15 | 袁本初败... : | 宴罢，云长回家，参拜二嫂于门外。甘夫人曰：“叔叔两番出军，可知皇叔音信否？”公答曰：“未也。”关公退，二夫人于门内痛哭曰：“想皇叔休矣！二叔恐我姊妹烦恼，故隐而不言。” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
When this was all over, Guan Yu went to the dwelling of his sisters-in-law to pay his respects at their gate. "Have you been able to get any news of Uncle Liu Bei in your two expeditions?" asked Lady Gan. "None," replied Guan Yu. As he retired from the door, he heard sounds of bitter weeping within. "Alas! He is dead," said they. "Our brother-in-law thinks we shall be greatly distressed; and thus, he hides the truth from us." | |
| 16 | 袁本初败... : | 正哭间，有一随行老军，听得哭不绝，于门外告曰：“夫人休哭。主人见在河北袁绍处。”夫人曰：“汝何由知之？”军曰：“跟关将军出征，有人在阵上说来。”夫人急召云长责之曰：“皇叔未尝负汝，汝今受曹操之恩，顿忘旧日之义，不以实情告我，何也？”关公顿首曰：“兄今委实在河北；未敢教嫂嫂知者，恐有泄漏也。事须缓图，不可欲速。”甘夫人曰：“叔宜上紧。”公退，寻思去计，坐立不安。原来于禁探知刘备在河北，报与曹操。操令张辽来探关公意。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
One of the old soldiers, who acted as guard, hearing the sounds of perpetual grief, took pity on them and said, "Do not weep, ladies. Your lord is with Yuan Shao in the North of Yellow River." "How do you know that?" said they. "I went out with General Guan Yu, and one of the soldiers told me." The two ladies summoned Guan Yu and reproached him, saying, "Uncle Liu Bei never betrayed you, and yet you remain here enjoying the bounty of Cao Cao and forgetting the old times. And you tell us falsehoods." Guan Yu bowed his head, saying, "My brother really is in the North of Yellow River, but I dared not tell you, lest it should become known. Something must be done, but done carefully, and it needs time." "Brother-in-law, you should hasten," said Lady Gan. Guan Yu withdrew feeling that he must evolve some scheme of departure without further loss of time. It caused him much uneasiness. Yu Jin, having found out that Liu Bei was in the north, told Cao Cao, who at once sent Zhang Liao to find out Guan Yu's intentions. | |
| 17 | 袁本初败... : | 关公正闷坐，张辽入贺曰：“闻兄在阵上知玄德音信，特来贺喜。”关公曰：“故主虽在，未得一见，何喜之有？”辽曰：“公与玄德交，比弟与兄交何如？”公曰：“我与兄，朋友之交也；我与玄德，是朋友而兄弟、兄弟而又君臣也。岂可共论乎？”辽曰：“今玄德在河北，兄往从否？”关公曰：“昔日之言，安肯背之？文远须为我致意丞相。”张辽将关公之言，回告曹操。操曰：“吾自有计留之。” |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Zhang Liao entered jauntily and congratulated Guan Yu, saying, "They tell me you obtained news of your brother in the battlefield. I felicitate you." "My lord was there indeed, but I met him not. I see nothing to be glad about." "Is there any difference between the relationship of you two and that of any other two brothers?" Guan Yu replied, "You and I stand in the relationship of friends. Liu Bei and I are friends and brothers beside, and prince and minister in addition to both. Our relationship cannot be discussed in usual terms." "Well, now that you know where your brother is, are you going to him?" "How can I go back on what I said before? I am sure you will explain fully to the Prime Minister." Zhang Liao went back and told his master, who said, "I must find a way to keep him here." | |
| 18 | 袁本初败... : | 且说关公正寻思间，忽报有故人相访。及请入，却不相识。关公问曰：“公何人也？”答曰：“某乃袁绍部下南阳陈震也。”关公大惊，急退左右，问曰：“先生此来，必有所为？”震出书一缄，递与关公。公视之，乃玄德书也。其略云： |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
While Guan Yu was pondering over his difficulties, they told him that a friend had come to inquire for him. The visitor was introduced but Guan Yu did not recognize him. "Who are you?" asked Guan Yu. "I am Chen Zhen of Nanyang, in the service of Yuan Shao." In great perturbation, Guan Yu sent away the attendants and, they being gone, said, "There is some special reason for your visit?" For reply Chen Zhen drew out a letter and handed it to his host, who recognized that it was from his brother Liu Bei. The letter read: | |
| 备与足下，自桃园缔盟，誓以同死；今何中道相违，割恩断义？君必欲取功名，图富贵，愿献备首级以成全功！书不尽言，死待来命！ | ||
| "I, the writer, and you, Sir, pledged ourselves in the Peach Garden to die together. Why then are we apart and yet alive, our kindly feelings destroyed, our sense of right outraged? If you desire to obtain fame and acquire riches and honor, I will offer my head without hesitation so that your achievement is fulfilled. More might be said, but I await your commands with great anxiety." | ||
| 19 | 袁本初败... : | 关公看书毕，大哭曰：“某非不欲寻兄，奈不知所在也。安肯图富贵而背旧盟乎？”震曰：“玄德望公甚切，公既不背旧盟，宜速往见。”关公曰：“人生天地间，无终始者，非君子也。吾来时明白，去时不可不明白。吾今作书，烦公先达知兄长，容某辞却曹操，奉二嫂来相见。震曰：“倘曹操不允，为之奈何？”公曰：“吾宁死，岂肯久留于此？”震曰：“公速作回书，免致刘使君悬望。”关公写书答云： |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Guan Yu finished the letter with a bitter cry. "I always wanted to find my brother, but I did not know where he was. How can he think such evil of me?" said he. "Liu Bei looks for you very eagerly. If you are still bound by the old pledge, you should go quickly," said Chen Zhen. "Anyone born into the world without the essential virtue of sincerity is no true human. I came here openly and can go in no other way. Now will I write a letter which I will ask you to bear to my brother, that as soon as I can take leave of Cao Cao, I will bring the ladies and come to him." "But what if Cao Cao refuse to let you go?" said Chen Zhen. "Then would I rather die. I will not remain here." "Then, Sir, quickly write your letter and relieve your brother from his anxiety." So Guan Yu wrote like this: | |
| 窃闻义不负心，忠不愿死。羽自幼读书，粗知礼义，观羊角哀、左伯桃之事，未尝不三叹而流涕也。 | ||
| "I, the humble one, know full well that a human of principle does not betray and a human of loyalty despises death. I have been a student in my youth and know somewhat of the proprieties. I sigh and weep at the memory of the fraternal affection that made Yangjue Ai and Zuo Botao die rather than separate. | ||
| 前守下邳，内无积粟，外无援兵；欲即效死，奈有二嫂之重，未敢断首捐躯，致负所托；故尔暂且羁身，冀图后会。近至汝南，方知兄信；即当面辞曹操，奉二嫂归。羽但怀异心，神人共戮。披肝沥胆，笔楮难穷。瞻拜有期，伏惟照鉴！ | ||
| I was in charge of Xiapi, but the place lacked provision and there was no help. I would have fought to the death, but there was on my shoulders the responsibility for my sisters-in-law. Wherefore I had to take care of my body lest I betrayed your trust. And so I made a prisoner of myself, hoping to find a way of release. I heard of you lately in Runan. I must, however, bid farewell to Cao Cao and bring the ladies with me when I come. May I perish, victim to the superhuman powers, if I have harbored any traitorous thought. Ink and paper are poor substitutes for what I would say, but I look to see you soon." | ||
| 20 | 袁本初败... : | 陈震得书自回。关公入内告知二嫂，随即至相府，拜辞曹操。操知来意，乃悬回避牌于门。关公怏怏而回，命旧日跟随人役，收拾车马，早晚伺候；分付宅中，所有原赐之物，尽皆留下，分毫不可带去。次日再往相府辞谢，门首又挂回避牌。关公一连去了数次，皆不得见；乃往张辽家相探，欲言其事，辽亦托疾不出。关公思曰：“此曹丞相不容我去之意。我去志已决，岂可复留？”即写书一封，辞谢曹操。书略曰： |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Chen Zhen left with this missive, and Guan Yu went to tell the women. Then he proceeded to the Prime Minister's palace to say farewell. But Cao Cao knew what he was coming for, and at the gate Guan Yu found the board intimating that no one could be received. So he had to return. However, he bade his own few soldiers prepare to start at any moment. He also gave orders that everything received from Cao Cao was to be left in the quarters. Nothing was to be taken. Next day he again proceeded to the palace to say farewell to his patron, but again found the board hanging there to show there was no admission. So it was several times; he could never enter. Then he went to see Zhang Liao, but Zhang Liao was indisposed. "This means Cao Cao will not let me go," thought Guan Yu. "But I am going, and I shall hesitate no longer." So he wrote this letter: | |
| 羽少事皇叔，誓同生死；皇天后土，实闻斯言。前者下邳失守，所请三事，已蒙恩诺。今探知故主现在袁绍军中，回思昔日之盟，岂容违背？新恩虽厚，旧义难忘。兹特奉书告辞，伏惟照察。其有馀恩未报，愿以俟之异日。 | ||
| "As a young man I entered the service of the Imperial Uncle, and pledged myself to share his fortunes. Heaven and Earth witnessed this oath. When I lost the city, I made three requests which you granted. Now I hear my brother is with Yuan Shao and I, remembering our pledge, cannot but go to him. Though your bounty is great, I forget not the bond of the past; wherefore I write this letter of farewell trusting that when you have read it, you will be content for me to postpone to another season the proof of my gratitude." | ||
| 21 | 袁本初败... : | 写毕封固，差人去相府投递；一面将累次所受金银，一一封置库中，悬汉寿亭侯印于堂上，请二夫人上车。关公上赤兔马，手提青龙刀，率领旧日跟随人役，护送车仗，迳出北门。门吏挡之。关公怒目横刀，大喝一声，门吏皆退避。关公既出门，谓从者曰：“汝等护立车仗先行，但有追赶者，吾自当之，勿得惊动二位夫人。”从者推车，望官道进发。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
Guan Yu sealed and sent it to the palace. Then he deposited in the treasury of his dwelling all the gold and silver he had received, hung his seal of lordship of Hanshou in the middle of the reception hall and left, taking his sisters-in-law with him in a carriage. He rode Red Hare and carried the green-dragon saber in his hand. With a small escort of guards, those formerly under his command, he left the city by the north gate. The wardens would have stopped him, but Guan Yu frightened them with a fierce shout. Having got out, he told the escort to go in front with the carriage while he would remain behind to guard against pursuit. So they pushed the carriage toward the high road. | |
| 22 | 袁本初败... : | 却说曹操正论关公之事未定，左右报关公呈书。操即看毕，大惊曰：“云长去矣！”忽北门守将飞报：“关公夺门而去，车仗鞍马二十馀人，皆望北行。”又关公宅中人来报说：“关公尽封所赐金银等物。美女十人，另居内室。其汉寿亭侯印悬于堂上。丞相所拨人役，皆不带去，只带原跟从人，及随身行李，出北门去了。”众皆愕然。一将挺身出曰：“某愿将铁骑三千，去生擒关某，献与丞相！”众视之，乃将军蔡阳也。正是：欲离万丈蛟龙穴，又遇三千狼虎兵。蔡阳要赶关公，毕竟如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Yuan Shao Loses Another...: |
In the city, Guan Yu's letter reached the Prime Minister while he was consulting about what to do. He read it and exclaimed, "So he has left!" Then the warden of the gate came to report that Guan Yu had forced his way out, and was gone with a carriage, a horse, and a score of guards. Next came the servants from his house to report that he had left, taking nothing of the treasure, nor anyone of the waiting maids. Everything was left in the house. Even his seal was there. His only escort were the few soldiers of his original force. Suddenly from the assembly of officers rose a voice, saying, "With three thousand of mailed horse, I will bring him back alive." Their eyes turned to the speaker, who was General Cai Yang. On the dragon's cave he turns his back, But numberless wolves infest his track. What came of this offer to pursue will be seen in the next chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch26