| Chinese Text Project | |
| Simplified Chinese version |
《美髯公千里走单骑，汉寿侯五关斩六将 - The Man Of Beautiful Beard Rides On A Solitary Journey; Guan Yu Slays Six Generals Through Five Passes》 |
| 1 | 美髯公千... : | 却说曹操部下诸将中，自张辽而外，只有徐晃与云长交厚，其馀亦皆敬服；独蔡阳不服关公，故今日闻其去，欲住追之。操曰：“不忘故主，来去明白，真丈夫也。汝等皆当效之。”遂叱退蔡阳，不令去赶。程昱曰：“丞相待关某甚厚，今彼不辞而去，乱言片楮，冒渎钧威，其罪大矣。若纵之使归袁绍，是与虎添翼也。不若追而杀之，以绝后患。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Now of all the officers in Cao Cao's army, the two friendly toward Guan Yu were Zhang Liao and Xu Huang. The others treated Guan Yu with respect, except Cai Yang who was decidedly inimical. So this Cai Yang was ready to pursue and capture Guan Yu as soon as he heard of his departure. But Cao Cao accepted Guan Yu's going as natural. "He does not forget his old leader, and he was perfectly open in all his actions. He is a gentleman, and you would do well to follow his example," said Cao Cao. So Cao Cao bade the would-be pursuer be gone and say no more about pursuit. "You were exceedingly good to Guan Yu," said Cheng Yu, "but he went off very rudely. He certainly left a screed behind with his reasons, but he affronted you, and that is no light matter. Now to let him join Yuan Shao is to add wings to a tiger. You had better catch him and put him to death so as to guard against future evil." | |
| 2 | 美髯公千... : | 操曰：“吾昔已许之，岂可失信？彼各为其主，勿追也。”因谓张辽曰：“云长封金挂印，财贿不足以动其心，爵禄不足以移其志，此等人吾深敬之。想他去此不远，我一发结识他做个人情。汝可先去请住他，待我与他送行，更以路费征袍赠之，使为后日记念。”张辽领命，单骑先往。曹操引数十骑随后而来。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Cao Cao replied, "But he had my promise, and can I break my word? Each has his master. Do not pursue." But Cao Cao said to Zhang Liao, "He has rejected all I gave him, so bribes were powerless with him in whatever shape. I have the greatest respect for such as him. He has not yet gone far, and I will try to strengthen his attachment to me and make one appeal to sentiment. Ride after him and beg him to stop till I can come up and bid farewell and offer him a sum of money for his expenses and a fighting robe, that he may remember me kindly in after days." So Zhang Liao rode out quite alone. Cao Cao followed him leisurely with an escort of a score or so. | |
| 3 | 美髯公千... : | 却说云长所骑赤马，日行千里，本是赶不上；因欲护送车仗，不敢纵马，按辔徐行。忽听背后有人大叫：“云长且慢行！”回头视之，见张辽拍马而至。关公教车仗从人，只管望大路紧行；自己勒住赤兔马，按定青龙刀，问曰：“文远莫非欲追我回乎？”辽曰：“非也。丞相知兄远行，欲来相送，特先使我请住台驾，别无他意。”关公曰：“便是丞相铁骑来，吾愿决一死战！”遂立马于桥上望之。见曹操引数十骑，飞奔前来；背后乃是许褚，徐晃，于禁，李典之辈。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Now the steed that Guan Yu rode was Red Hare, and it was very fast. No one could have come up with him but that there was the ladies' carriage to escort, and so Red Hare had to be held in and go slow. Suddenly Guan Yu heard a shout behind him, a voice crying, "Go slowly, Guan Yu!" He turned and made out the person to be Zhang Liao. Ordering the pushers of the carriage to press on along the high road, he reined in his steed, held the green-dragon saber ready for a stroke, and waited for Zhang Liao to come up. "Of course you have come to take me back, Zhang Liao?" said Guan Yu. "No. The Prime Minister, seeing that you are going a long journey, wishes to see you on your way and told me to hasten forward and beg you to wait till he can come up. That is the only thing." "Seeing that he is coming along with mailed men, I shall fight to the very last," said Guan Yu. And he took up his position on a bridge where he waited the approach of the party, who advanced quickly. Four of Cao Cao's generals, Xu Chu, Xu Huang, Yu Jin, and Li Dian, followed close. | |
| 4 | 美髯公千... : | 操见关公横刀立马于桥上，令诸将勒住马匹，左右排开。关公见众人手中皆无军器，方始放心。操曰：“云长行何太速？”关公于马上欠身答曰：“关某前曾禀过丞相，今故主在河北，不由某不急去。累次造府，不得参见，故拜书告辞，封金挂印，纳还丞相。望丞相勿忘昔日之言。”操曰：“吾欲取信于天下，安肯有负前言？恐将军途中乏用，等具路资相送。”一将便从马上托过黄金一盘。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Seeing Guan Yu was ready to fight, Cao Cao ordered his escort to open out in two lines, and then it was seen they carried no arms. This relieved his mind, for it proved to Guan Yu they meant no attack. "Why do you go in such haste, Guan Yu?" asked Cao Cao. Guan Yu inclined his head but did not dismount, saying, "I informed you in writing that since my lord was in the North of Yellow River, I had to leave at once. I went to your palace again and again but was refused admittance. So I wrote a letter of farewell, sealed up the treasure, resigned my lordship seal, and left everything for you. I hope you recall the promise you once made me." Cao Cao replied, "My desire is to keep my troth with all people. I cannot go back on my word. However, you may find the journey expensive, and therefore I have here prepared a sum of money to help you." Then from horseback Cao Cao held out a packet of gold. | |
| 5 | 美髯公千... : | 关公曰：“累蒙恩赐，尚有馀资。留此黄金以赏将士。”操曰：“特以少酬大功于万一，何必推辞？”关公曰：“区区微劳，何足挂齿。”操笑曰：“云长天下义士，恨吾福薄，不得相留。锦袍一领，略表寸心。”令一将下马，双手捧袍过来。云长恐有他变，不敢下马，用青龙刀尖挑锦袍披于身上，勒马回头称谢曰：“蒙丞相赐袍，异日更得相会。”遂下桥望北而去。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu said, "I have sufficient left from your former bounty. Keep that for presents to your soldiers." "Why should you refuse this? It is but an insignificant return for great services." "My services have been all trifling, not worth mentioning." "Really, Guan Yu, you are the most high-principled of humans. I am very sorry my luck is too poor to retain you at my side. Pray accept just this robe to show you I am not quite ungrateful," said Cao Cao. And one of his generals, dismounting, held up a silken coat in both hands. Guan Yu even still fearful of what might happen, would not dismount, but he reached down his sword and took the robe on its point. Then he threw it over his shoulders and turned to thank the giver. "I thank you, Sir Prime Minister, for the robe and trust we shall meet again." So saying, Guan Yu went down from the bridge and bore away to the north. | |
| 6 | 美髯公千... : | 许褚曰：“此人无礼太甚，何不擒之？”操曰：“彼一人一骑，吾数十馀人，安得不疑？吾言既出，不可追也。”曹操自引众将回城，于路叹想云长不已。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
"He is a very rude man," said Xu Chu, who was of the escort. "Why do you not take him prisoner?" Cao Cao replied, "He was absolutely alone facing scores of us. He was justified in being suspicious. But my word has gone forth, and he is not to be pursued." Cao Cao and his escort returned, the Prime Minister very sad when he thought of the man who had gone. | |
| 7 | 美髯公千... : | 不说曹操自回。且说关公来赶车仗，约行三十里，却只不见。云长心慌，纵马四下寻之。忽见山头一人，高叫：“关将军且住！”云长举目视之，只见一少年，黄巾锦衣，持枪跨马，马项下悬著首级一颗，引百馀步卒，飞奔前来。公问曰：“汝何人也？” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu went down from the bridge and started in the wake of the carriage carrying the two ladies, which should have gone about ten miles while this interview had been going on. He could see no signs of it and rode hither and thither looking on all sides. Presently he heard someone shouting from a hill, calling him by name to halt. He saw a youth wearing a yellow turban and dressed in a silk robe. He held a spear in his hand and was mounted on a horse from the neck of which dangled a bloody head. Behind him were a hundred or so men on foot, and they advanced quickly. "Who are you?" asked Guan Yu. | |
| 8 | 美髯公千... : | 少年弃枪下马，拜伏于地。云长恐是诈，勒马持刀问曰：“壮士，愿通姓名。”答曰：“吾本襄阳人；姓廖，名化，字元俭。因世乱流落江湖，聚众五百馀人，劫掠为生。恰才同伴杜远下山巡哨，误将两夫人劫掠上山。吾问从者，知是大汉刘皇叔夫人。且闻将军护送在此，吾即欲送下山来。杜远出言不逊，被某杀之。今献头与将军请罪。”关公曰：“二夫人何在？”化曰：“现在山中。”关公教急取下山。不移时，百馀人簇拥车仗前来。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
The young man dropped his spear, dismounted, and made a low bow. Guan Yu feared this was some ruse, so he only checked his horse and gripped his sword the more firmly, saying, "Sir, I desire you to tell me your name!" "My name is Liao Hua. I belong to a Xiangyang family. Since these troubled times began I have been an outlaw among the rivers and lakes, and I and my comrades have lived by plunder. We are about five hundred in all. By chance my friend Du Yuan came across two ladies in a carriage just now; and, quite wrongly, he took them prisoners and brought them to the hold in the hills. I questioned the servants and so found out who they were and who was escorting them. So I wished them to be set free to pursue their journey. Du Yuan opposed this and spoke so ill-mannerly that I killed him. And here is his head. I pray you pardon me." "Where are the two ladies?" "They are among the hills," replied Liao Hua. "Bring them down here, at once," said Guan Yu. In a short time a party of the brigands pushed the carriage down the hill, and the ladies sat there before him. | |
| 9 | 美髯公千... : | 关公下马停刀，叉手于车前问候曰：“二嫂受惊否？”二夫人曰：“若非廖将军保全，已被杜远所辱。”关公问左右曰：“廖化怎生救夫人？”左右曰：“杜远劫上山去，就要与廖化各分一人为妻。廖化问起根由，好生拜敬；杜远不从，已被廖化杀了。”关公听言，乃拜谢廖化。廖化欲以部下人送关公。关公寻思此人终是黄巾馀党，未可作伴，乃谢却之。廖化又拜送金帛，关公亦不受。廖化拜别，自引人伴山谷中去了。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Then Guan Yu dismounted, laid aside his sword, and stood respectfully before them with his arms crossed. "Sisters, have you been alarmed?" asked he. They replied, "We should have suffered at the hands of Du Yuan had it not been for Liao Hua." "How did Liao Hua come to save the ladies?" asked Guan Yu of those who stood by. They said, "Du Yuan carried off the ladies and proposed that he and Liao Hua should have one each as wife. But Liao Hua had found out they were of gentle birth and worthy, and was for treating them with respect. When Du Yuan disagreed, Liao Hua slew him." Hearing this Guan Yu bowed to Liao Hua and thanked him. Liao Hua then wanted to join himself and his troop to Guan Yu, but Guan Yu, seeing he was a Yellow Scarf, would have nothing to do with him. So Guan Yu simply thanked him for his kindness to the ladies. Liao Hua offered some presents, but these were also declined. So Liao Hua took his leave and presently disappeared in a valley among the hills. | |
| 10 | 美髯公千... : | 云长将曹操赠袍事，告知二嫂，催促车仗前行。至天晚，投一村庄安歇。庄主出迎，须发皆白，问曰：“将军姓甚名谁？关公施礼曰：“吾乃刘玄德之弟关某也。”老人曰：“莫非斩颜良，文丑的关公否？”公曰：“便是。”老人大喜，便请入庄。关公曰：“车上还有二位夫人。”老人便唤妻女出迎。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu told his sisters the story of his interview with Cao Cao and the gift of a robe, and then he urged the carriage on its way. Towards dark they came to a farm where they would rest. The farmer, an old graybeard, came out to welcome the party and asked who they were. Guan Yu described himself as the brother of Liu Bei, and said his name. "Surely you are no other than the slayer of Yan Liang and Wen Chou," said the venerable host. "That is so," replied Guan Yu. "Come in," said the old man, joyfully. "My two sisters-in-law are in the carriage," said Guan Yu. "Will you let your women folks go out to receive them?" | |
| 11 | 美髯公千... : | 二夫人至草堂上，关公叉手立于二夫人之侧。老人请公坐，公曰：“尊嫂在上，安敢就坐？”老人乃令妻女请二夫人入内室款待，自于草堂款待关公。关公问老人姓名。老人曰：“吾姓胡，名华。桓时曾为议郎，致仕归乡。今有小儿胡班，在荥阳太守王植部下为从事。将军若从此处经过，某有一书寄与小儿。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
As Guan Yu remained standing there, the host asked him to be seated, but he would not sit while the women were present and remained standing in a respectful attitude till the old man's wife had returned and ushered the ladies into the inner apartments. Then the old man set to the entertainment of his guest in the guest hall. Guan Yu asked his name. He replied, "I am called Hu Hua. In the days of the Emperor Huan, I was an officer of the court, but I resigned and retired into private life. I have a son, Hu Ban, with Governor Wang Zhi of Yingyang. If you should be going that way, General, I should like to send him a letter by you." | |
| 12 | 美髯公千... : | 关公允诺。次日早膳毕，请二嫂上车，取了胡华书信，相别而行，取路投洛阳来。前至一关，名东岭关。把关将姓孔，名秀，引五百军兵在土岭上把守。当日关公押车仗上岭，军士报知孔秀，秀出关来迎。关公下马，与孔秀施礼。秀曰：“将军何往？”公曰：“某辞丞相，特往河北寻兄。”秀曰：“河北袁绍，正是丞相对头；将军此去，必有丞相文凭。”公曰：“因行期忽迫，不曾讨得。”秀曰：“既无文凭，待我差人禀过丞相，方可放行。”关公曰：“待去禀时，须误了我行程。”秀曰：“法度所拘，不得不如此。”关公曰：“汝不容我过关乎？”秀曰：“汝要过去，留下老小为质。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu said he would take the letter. Next day, after an early meal, the ladies got into their carriage, the host handed his letter to Guan Yu, and the little party once more took the road. They went toward Luoyang. Presently they approached a pass known as the Dongling Pass, guarded by Commander Kong Xiu and five hundred soldiers. When the soldiers saw a carriage being pushed toward the pass, they ran to tell their commander, who came out to accost the travelers. Guan Yu dismounted and returned the officer's salute, and Kong Xiu said, "Whither are you going?" "I have left the Prime Minister to go into the North of Yellow River to find my brother." "But Yuan Shao is my master's rival. You have authority from him to go thither?" "I left hurriedly and could not get it." "If you have no authority, you must wait while I send to request orders." "To remain while you send and receive an answer will delay me greatly," said Guan Yu. "I must stand by my instructions. That is the only thing to do," said Kong Xiu. "Then you refuse to let me pass?" "If you want to go through, leave the family as a gage." | |
| 13 | 美髯公千... : | 关公大怒，举刀就杀孔秀。秀退入关去，鸣鼓聚军，披挂上马，杀下关来，大喝曰：“汝今敢过去么！”关公约退车仗，纵马提刀，竟不打话，直取孔秀。秀挺枪来迎。两马相交，只一合，钢刀起处，孔秀尸横马下。众军便走。关公曰：“军士休走。吾杀孔秀，不得已也，与汝等无干。借汝众军之口，传语曹丞相，言孔秀欲害我，我故杀之。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
At this Guan Yu got very angry and made to cut at the commander on the spot, but Kong Xiu withdrew into the gate and beat the drums for an attack. Thereupon the soldiers armed themselves, mounted, and came down to oppose the passage, crying, "Dare you go through, eh?" The carriage was sent off to a safe distance, and then Guan Yu rode at full speed directly at the commander, who set his spear and came to meet him. The two steeds met and the men engaged, but at the first stroke of the green-dragon saber the commander of the gate fell to the earth dead. His troops fled. "Soldiers, do not flee!" cried Guan Yu. "I killed him because I could do no otherwise. I have nothing against you, but I would ask you to tell the Prime Minister how this thing came to pass, that Kong Xiu wished to kill me, and so I slew him in self defense." | |
| 14 | 美髯公千... : | 众军俱拜于马前。关公即请二夫人车仗出关，望洛阳进发。早有军士报知洛阳太守韩福。韩福急聚众将商议。牙将孟坦曰：“既无丞相文凭，即系私行；若不阻挡，必有罪责。”韩福曰：“关公勇猛，颜良，文丑，俱为所杀。今不可力敌，只须设计擒之。”孟坦曰：“吾有一计：先将鹿角拦定关口，待他到时，小将引兵和他交锋，佯败诱他来追，公可用暗箭射之。若关某坠马，即擒解许都，必得重赏。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
The soldiers bowed before him, and Guan Yu, with the carriage, passed through the gates and continued their way to Luoyang. But one of the guards of the pass went quickly in advance and informed the Governor of Luoyang, Han Qu, of the slaughter of Kong Xiu. Wherefore Han Qu assembled his officers to take counsel. Meng Tan, one of his generals, said, "This Guan Yu must be a fugitive, or he would have a safe conduct. Our only course is to stop him, or we shall incur blame." "The man is fierce and brave. Remember the fate of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. It seems vain to oppose him by force, and so we must think out some trap for him," said Han Qu. "I have a ruse ready," said Meng Tan. "I will close the gate with thorny blockades, and I will go to fight with him. I will engage and then flee, and you can shoot him from an ambush along the road. If we can get him and his party and send them prisoners to the capital, we ought to be well rewarded." | |
| 15 | 美髯公千... : | 商议停当，人报关公车仗已到。韩福弯弓插箭，引一千人马，排列关口，问：“来者何人？”关公马上欠身言曰：“吾汉寿亭侯关某，敢借过路。”韩福曰：“有曹丞相文凭否？”关公曰：“事冗不曾讨得。”韩福曰：“吾奉丞相钧命，镇守此地，专一盘诘往来奸细。若无文凭，即系逃窜。”关公怒曰：“东岭孔秀，已被吾杀。汝亦欲寻死耶？”韩福曰：“谁人与我擒之？” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
This course was determined upon, and soon they heard that Guan Yu was approaching. Han Qu strung his bow and filled his quiver with arrows and with one thousand soldiers took up position along the pass. Then as the party approached, Han Qu said, "Who is the traveler who comes?" Guan Yu bowed low and said, "He is a certain Guan Yu, Lord of Hanshou, and he wishes to go through the pass." "Have you a letter from the Prime Minister?" "In the hurry of departure I did not get any." "My special orders from him are to hold this pass and make examination of all spies that may go to and fro. Any person without an authority must be a fugitive." Then Guan Yu began to be angry, saying, "I have killed Kong Xiu at Dongling Pass. Do you also seek death?" "Who will capture him for me?" cried Han Qu. | |
| 16 | 美髯公千... : | 孟坦出马，轮双刀来取关公。关公约退车仗，拍马来迎。孟坦战不三合，拨回马便走。关公赶来。孟坦只指望引诱关公，不想关公马快，早已赶上，只一刀砍为两段。关公勒马回来，韩福闪在门首，尽力放了一箭，正射中关公左臂。公用口拔出箭，血流不住，飞马迳奔韩福，冲散众军。韩福急闪不及，关公手起刀落，带头连肩，斩于马下；杀散众军，保护车仗。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Meng Tan offered himself and rode out, whirling his double swords, and made straight for Guan Yu. Guan Yu sent back the carriage out of danger and then rode toward Meng Tan. They engaged, but very soon Meng Tan turned his steed and fled. Guan Yu pursued. Meng Tan, intent only on leading his enemy toward the ambush, took no account of the speed of Red Hare. Very soon Meng Tan was caught up, and a stroke of the mighty sword cut him in two pieces. Then Guan Yu stopped and turned back. The archers in the gate shot their hardest; and though it was a long way off, one of them lodged an arrow in his left arm. He pulled it out with his teeth, but the blood streamed down as he rode toward Governor Han Qu. The men scattered. Guan Yu rode straight at his next victim. He raised his sword and made an oblique cut which sliced off the head and shoulder of Han Qu. Then Guan Yu drove off the soldiers and returned to escort the carriage. | |
| 17 | 美髯公千... : | 关公割帛束住箭伤，于路恐人暗算，不敢久住，连夜投沂水关来。把关将乃并州人氏，姓卞，名喜，善使流星锤；原是黄巾馀党，后投曹操，拨来守关。当下闻知关公将到，寻思一计；就关前镇国寺中，埋伏下刀斧手二百馀人，诱关公至寺，约击盏为号，欲图相害。安排已定，出关迎接关公。公见卞喜来迎，便下马相见。喜曰：“将军名震天下，谁不敬仰！今归皇叔，足见忠义！”关公诉说斩孔秀，韩福之事。卞喜曰：“将军杀之是也。某见丞相，代禀衷曲。”关公甚喜，同上马过了沂水关，到镇国寺前下马。众僧鸣钟出迎。原来那镇国寺乃汉明帝御前香火院，本寺有僧三十馀人。内有一僧，却是关公同乡人，法名普净。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
He bound up his wound, and, fearing lest anyone might take advantage of his weakness, he made no long halts on the road but hurried toward River Si Pass. The warden of this pass was Bian Xi of Bingzhou, a warrior whose weapon was a comet-hammer. He had been a Yellow Scarf and had gone over to Cao Cao, who had given him this post. As soon as he heard of the coming of the redoubtable Guan Yu, he cudgeled his brains for a ruse to use against him. He decided upon an ambush. In the State Guardian Temple at the pass he placed two hundred ax-men and swordsmen. He reckoned on enticing Guan Yu to the temple for refreshment, and when he let fall a cup as signal, the hidden ruffians would rush out. All being thus arranged and ready, he went out to welcome Guan Yu in friendly guise, and Guan Yu dismounted at his coming. Bian Xi began very amiably. "Your name, General, makes the very earth tremble, and everyone looks up to you. This return to the Imperial Uncle proves you to be noble and true." Guan Yu in reply told him the story of the men he had slain in the last two passes. Bian Xi replied, "You slew them; that is well. When I see the Prime Minister, I will explain to him the inner reasons for these acts." Guan Yu thought he had found a friend and so mounted and rode through the pass. When he came to the temple, a number of priests came out to meet him with clanging bells. This temple, named State Guardian Temple, had a courtyard in which the Emperor Ming had burned incense in the past. In the temple were thirty priests, and among these there happened to be one Pu Jing who came from the same village as Guan Yu. His religious name was Transverse Peace. | |
| 18 | 美髯公千... : | 当下普净已知其意，向前与关公问讯，曰：“将军离蒲东几年矣？”关公曰：“将及二十年矣。”普净曰：“还认得贫僧否？”公曰：“离乡多年，不能相识。”普净曰：“贫僧家与将军家只隔一条河。”卞喜见普净叙出乡里之情，恐有走泄，乃叱之曰：“吾欲请将军赴宴，汝僧人何得多言！”关公曰：“不然。乡人相遇，安得不叙旧情耶？” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Hearing who the visitor was, Transverse Peace came forward to speak with him. "General," said Transverse Peace, "it is many a long year since you left Pudong." "Yes," said Guan Yu, "nearly twenty years." "Do you recognize this poor priest?" "I left the village many years ago; I do not recognize you." "My house and yours were only separated by a rivulet," said the priest. Now Bian Xi, seeing Transverse Peace holding forth about village matters, thought Transverse Peace would blab about the ambush, so Bian Xi bade him be silent. "I want to invite the General to a feast. You priest fellows seem to have a lot to say," said Bian Xi. "Not too much," said Guan Yu. "Naturally when fellow villagers meet, they talk of old times." | |
| 19 | 美髯公千... : | 普净请关公方丈待茶。关公曰：“二位夫人在车上，可先献茶。”普净教取茶先奉夫人，然后请关入方丈。普净以手举所佩戒刀，以目视关公。公会意，命左右持刀紧随。卞喜请关公于法堂筵席。关公曰：“卞君请关某，是好意？还是歹意？”卞喜未及回言，关公早望见壁衣中有刀斧手，乃大喝卞喜曰：“吾以汝为好人，安敢如此！” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Bian Xi invited the visitor into the guest room to take tea, but Guan Yu said, "The two ladies are out there in the carriage. They ought to have some first." So the priest bade them take some tea to the ladies, and then he led Guan Yu within, at the same time lifting the priest knife which he wore at his side and looking meaningfully at Guan Yu. The latter understood and told his people to bring along his weapon and keep close at his side. When Bian Xi invited Guan Yu to go into the Hall of the Laws for some refreshment, Guan Yu turned to him, saying, "Is this invitation with good intention or evil?" Bian Xi was so taken aback that he could make no reply, and then Guan Yu saw that many armed men were concealed behind the arras. Then Guan Yu shouted loudly at Bian Xi, saying, "What means this? I thought you an honorable man. How dare you?" | |
| 20 | 美髯公千... : | 卞喜知事泄，大叫：“左右下手！”左右方欲动手，皆被关公拔剑砍之。卞喜下堂绕廊而走，关公弃剑执大刀来赶。卞喜暗取飞锤掷打关公。关公用刀隔开锤，赶将入去，一刀劈卞喜为两段，随即回身来看二嫂。早有军人围住，见关公来，四下奔走。关公赶散，谢普净曰：“若非吾师，已被此贼害矣。”普净曰：“贫僧此处难容，收拾衣钵，亦往他处云游也。后会有期，将军保重。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
The traitor saw that his plot had failed and called to the assassins to come out and fall to, but Guan Yu had a short sword in his hand and slashed at anyone who came near. So they scattered. Their commander ran down the hall and tried to escape among the side buildings, but Guan Yu threw aside the short sword, took up the green-dragon saber and went after Bian Xi. The latter was trying to get into position to throw his comet-hammer, but Guan Yu cut the cord and the weapon was useless. Guan Yu followed Bian Xi in and out and soon caught up with him. Then with one blow Guan Yu cut him in halves. The fight over, Guan Yu sought the two ladies, who were surrounded by soldiers. These fled at sight of the terrible warrior. Seeking out the priest, his fellow countryman, he thanked him for the timely warning which had saved him from death. "I cannot remain here after this," said Transverse Peace. "I shall pack up my few garments and my alms bowl and take to the road, vague in my wanderings as the clouds in the sky. But we shall meet again and till then take care of yourself." | |
| 21 | 美髯公千... : | 关公称谢，护送车仗，住荥阳进发。荥阳太守王植，却与韩福是两亲家；闻得关公杀了韩福，商议欲暗害关公，乃使人守住关口。待关公到时，王植出关，喜笑相迎。关公诉说寻兄之事。植曰：“将军于路驱驰，夫人车上劳困，且请入城，馆驿中暂歇一宵，来日登途未迟。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Then Guan Yu took leave and retook the road to Yingyang. The Governor of this city was named Wang Zhi, and he was related to Han Qu by their children's marriage. Hearing of the death of his relative, Wang Zhi set about a scheme to kill Guan Yu secretly. He sent soldiers to guard the city gates and, when he heard that Guan Yu approached, he went himself and received Guan Yu with a smiling countenance and bade Guan Yu welcome. Guan Yu told him the object of his journey. "You, General, have been able to get some exercise on the road, but the ladies in their carriage must be cramped and fatigued. I pray you come into the city, and all of you remain the night in the official travelers' quarters. Tomorrow you can set forth again." | |
| 22 | 美髯公千... : | 关公见王植意甚殷勤，遂请二嫂入城。馆驿中皆铺陈了当。王植请公赴宴，公辞不往；植使人送筵席至馆驿。关公因于路辛苦，请二嫂膳毕，就正房歇定；令从者各自安歇，饱喂马匹。关公亦解甲憩息。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: | The offer was tempting, and his host seemed in earnest, so the two ladies went into the city, where they found everything very comfortably prepared for them. And, though Guan Yu declined the Governor's invitations to a banquet, refreshments for the travelers were sent to their lodgings. Guan Yu was fatigued from the trials of the journey, and as soon as the evening meal was over, he bade the ladies retire to rest while he sat down in the main room, quite alone, for he bade all to get repose while they could. His horse was given a good feed for once. He sat with his armor loosened in order to be more at ease. | |
| 23 | 美髯公千... : | 却说王植密唤从事胡班听令曰：“关某背丞相而逃，又于路杀太守并守关将校，死罪不轻！此人武勇难敌。汝今晚点一千军围住馆驿，一人一个火把，待三更时分，一齐放火；不问是谁，尽皆烧死！吾亦自引军接应。”胡班领命，便点起军士，密将乾柴引火之物，搬于馆驿门首，约时举事。胡班寻思：“我久闻关云长之名，不识如何模样，试往窥之。”乃至驿中，问驿吏曰：“关将军在何处？”答曰：“正厅上观书者是也。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Now Governor Wang Zhi had a general named Hu Ban to whom he had entrusted the arrangements for the destruction of his guest. Said Wang Zhi, "This Guan Yu is a traitor to the Prime Minister and a fugitive. On the road he has murdered several pass commanders and is guilty of serious crimes. But he is too strong and valiant for any ordinary soldier to overcome. So this evening you will lead a whole company of a thousand troops to surround his lodging, each one armed with a torch, and we will burn him. They will start the fire about midnight. Everyone of the party will perish. I will come with a force to stand by and assist if necessary." These orders received, Hu Ban passed them on to the soldiers, who began secretly to prepare dry wood and other combustibles which they piled up at the gate of the rest house. Hu Ban thought within himself that he would like to know what manner of man was this Guan Yu, whose fame had spread so far, so he determined to get a peep at the guest. He went to the rest house and inquired where Guan Yu was. "The General is the man in the main hall reading," was the reply. | |
| 24 | 美髯公千... : | 胡班潜至厅前，见关公左手绰髯，于灯下几看书。班见了，失声叹曰：“真天人也！”公问何人。胡班入拜曰：“荥阳太守部下从事胡班。”关公曰：“莫非许都城外胡华之子否？”班曰：“然也。”公唤从者于行李中取书付班。班看毕，叹曰：“险些误杀忠良！”遂密告曰：“王植心怀不仁，欲害将军，暗令人四面围住馆驿，约于三更放火。今某当先去开了城门，将军急收拾出城。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Hu Ban noiselessly made his way to the outside of the room and peeped in. He saw the famous warrior stroking his beard with his left hand while he read by the light of a lamp placed on a low table. An involuntary exclamation of wonder escaped at the majesty of the figure. "Really a god!" Hu Ban sighed. "Who is there?" suddenly asked the reader at the sound. Hu Ban entered and said, "I am Hu Ban, a general of the Governor." "Surely you are the son of Hu Hua, who lives outside Xuchang," said Guan Yu. "I am he," replied Hu Ban. Then Guan Yu called up his followers and bade them look among the baggage for the letter, which they brought. Guan Yu handed it to the general. Hu Ban read it and then breathed long, saying, "I very nearly caused the death of a good man." Then he betrayed the whole plot, saying, "This Wang Zhi is a wicked man, who wanted to kill you. At this moment you are surrounded, and at the third watch they will set fire to this place. Now I will go and open the city gates while you hastily prepare for flight." | |
| 25 | 美髯公千... : | 关公大惊，忙披挂提刀上马，请二嫂上车，尽出馆驿，果见军士各执火把听候。关公急来到城边，只见城门已开。关公催车仗急急出城。胡班还去放火。关公行不到数里，背后火把照耀，人马赶来。当先王植大叫：“关某休走！”关公勒马，大骂：“匹夫！我与你无雠，如何令人放火烧我？”王植拍马挺枪，迳奔关公；被关公拦腰一刀，砍为两段。人马都赶散。关公催车仗速行，于路感胡班不已。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu was greatly surprised, but he quickly buckled up his armor, got his steed ready, roused the two ladies, and put them into their carriage. Then they left the rest house; and as they passed out, they saw the soldiers all about them, each with a torch. The party hastened to the outskirts of the city and found the gate already open, and they lost no time in getting clear of the city. Hu Ban returned to give orders to fire the rest house. The fugitives pressed on. But before long they saw lights coming up behind them, and Wang Zhi called out to them to stop. Guan Yu reined in his horse and began to abuse him, crying, "Worthless fellow! What had you against me that you wished to burn me to death?" Wang Zhi whipped up his steed and set his spear, but Guan Yu cut him through with the short sword he wore at his side and scattered his followers. Then the carriage pushed on. Guan Yu's heart was filled with gratitude to Hu Ban. | |
| 26 | 美髯公千... : | 行至滑州界首，有人报与刘延。延引数十骑，出郭而迎。关公马上欠身而言曰：“太守别来无恙！”延曰：“公今欲何往？”公曰：“辞了丞相，去寻吾兄。”延曰：“玄德在袁绍处，绍乃丞相雠人，如何容公去？”公曰：“昔日曾言定来。”延曰：“今黄河渡口关隘，夏侯敦部将秦琪据守。恐不容将军过去。”公曰：“太守应付船只，若何？”延曰：“船只虽有，不敢应付。”公曰：“我前者诛颜良，文丑，亦曾与足下解厄。今日求一渡船而不与，何也？”延曰：“只恐夏侯敦知之，必然罪我。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
When the party drew near Huazhou, someone told Liu Yue, who rode out to welcome him. Liu Yue had been once rescued by Guan Yu, who slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou and lifted the siege of the city. Guan Yu did not dismount but bowed from horseback, saying, "Have you been quite well since we parted?" "Whither are you going, Sir?" replied Liu Yue. "I have left the Prime Minister and am on my way to find my brother." "Liu Bei is with Yuan Shao, who is at enmity with the Prime Minister. How can you be allowed to go to him?" asked Liu Yue. "That matter was settled long ago." "The Yellow River Ferry is an important point and is guarded by a commander of Xiahou Dun. He will not let you cross." "But suppose then you provide boats for me?" "Though there are boats, I dare not give them to you." "Well, formerly I slew Yan Liang and Wen Chou and saved you a grave danger. Now you refuse me a ferry boat!" "I am afraid Xiahou Dun will know of it and make it a fault against me." | |
| 27 | 美髯公千... : | 关公知刘延无用之人，遂自催车仗前进。到黄河渡口，秦琪引军出问来者何人？关公曰：“汉寿亭侯关某也。”琪曰：“今欲何往？”关公曰：“欲投河北去寻兄长刘玄德，敬来借渡。”琪曰：“丞相公文何在？”公曰：“吾不受丞相节制，有甚公文？”琪曰：“吾奉夏侯将军将令，守把关隘，你便插翅，也飞不过去！”关公大怒曰：“你知我于路斩戮拦截者乎？”琪曰：“你只杀得无名下将，敢杀我么？”关公怒曰：“汝比颜良，文丑，若何？” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Guan Yu perceived that no help was to be expected from this man, so he pushed on and presently reached the ferry. There the Commander of the Guard, Qin Qi, came out to question him. "I am one Guan Yu, Lord of Hanshou." "Whither are you bound?" "I go to the North of Yellow River to seek my brother, Liu Bei, and I respectfully ask you to grant me a passage over the river." "Where is the authority of the Prime Minister?" "I am not on a mission from the Prime Minister, so why should I have such an authority?" "I have orders from my chief to guard the ferry, and you will not cross. Even if you grew wings, you should not fly over." Guan Yu's choler arose. "Do you know that I have been the death of all those who have hitherto tried to stop me?" said he. "You have only slain a few officers of no rank or reputation; but you dare not kill me!" "Where would you stand beside Yan Liang and Wen Chou?" asked Guan Yu. | |
| 28 | 美髯公千... : | 秦琪大怒，纵马提刀，直取关公。二马相交，只一合，关公刀起，秦琪头落。关公曰：“当吾者已死，馀人不必惊走。速备船只，送我渡河。”军士急撑舟傍岸。关公请二嫂上船渡河。渡过黄河，便是袁绍地方。关公所历关隘五处，斩将六员。后人有诗叹曰： |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
Qin Qi grew angry, and he loosed his rein. Sword in hand, he came at a gallop. The two met, but in the first encounter Qin Qi's head was swept off by the terrible green-dragon saber. "He who opposed me is dead! You others need not be afraid," cried Guan Yu. "Be quick and prepare me a boat." The boat was soon at the landing, and the two women stepped on board, followed by Guan Yu. They crossed and were then in the country of Yuan Shao. In the course of his journey to this point, Guan Yu had forced five passes and slain six generals. | |
| 挂印封金辞汉相，寻兄遥望远途还。马骑赤兔行千里，刀偃青龙出五关。忠义慨然冲，宇宙，英雄从此震江山。独行斩将应无敌，今古留题翰墨间。 | ||
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His seal hung up, the treasury locked, his courtly mansion left, He journeyed toward his brother dear, too long from his side left. The horse he rode was famed for speed as for endurance great, His good sword made a way for him and opened every gate. His loyalty and truth forth stand, a pattern unto all, His valor would frighten rushing streams and make high mountains fall. Alone he traveled lustily, this was death to meet his blade, He has been themed by myriads, his glory never will fade. | ||
| 29 | 美髯公千... : | 关公于马上自叹曰：“吾非欲沿途杀人，奈事不得已也。曹公知之，必以我为负恩之人矣。”正行间，忽见一骑自北而来，大叫：“云长少住！”关公勒马视之，乃孙乾也。关公曰：“自汝南相别，一向消息若何？” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
"I did not willingly slay a single one of them," mused Guan Yu as he rode along. "There was no help for it. Nevertheless when Cao Cao hears of it, he will regard me as ungrateful for his bounty." Before long he saw a rider on the road who soon hailed him and proved to be Sun Qian. "I have never heard a word from you since we lost sight of each other at Runan. How have you fared?" said Guan Yu. | |
| 30 | 美髯公千... : | 乾曰：“刘辟，龚都，自将军回兵之后，复夺了汝南；遣某往河北结好袁绍，请玄德同谋破曹之计。不想河北将士，各相妒忌。田丰尚囚狱中；沮授黜退不用；审配，郭图，各自争权；袁绍多疑，主持不定。某与刘皇叔商议，先求脱身之计。今皇叔已住汝南会合刘辟去了。恐将军不知，反到袁绍处，或为所害，特遣某于路迎接将来。幸于此得见。将军可速往汝南与皇叔相会。” |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
"After your departure Liu Pi and Gong Du retook the city. I was sent by them to Yuan Shao to try to make peace with him and succeeded, so that Yuan Shao invited Liu Bei to go to him and share in the deliberations for a concerted attack on Cao Cao. But to my disgust the leaders of Yuan Shao's army showed great jealousy of each other so that Tian Feng got into gaol, Ju Shou was degraded, and others quarreled. Then Yuan Shao vacillated and hesitated, so that your brother and I consulted how we might get away from them all. Now the Uncle is at Runan with Liu Pi and, thinking you could not know that and might suffer some harm if you unwillingly went to Yuan Shao, I have come to warn you. It is good fortune to find you like this. Now we can hasten to Runan, and you will meet your brother." Guan Yu took Sun Qian to make his bow to the ladies, who asked after his adventures, and Sun Qian said, "Uncle Liu Bei were nearly executed due to Yuan Shao's sudden bursts of anger after the deaths of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Now, however, he is out of his way and safe at Runan, and you will meet him soon." | |
| 31 | 美髯公千... : | 关公教孙乾拜见夫人。夫人问其动静。孙乾备说：“袁绍二次欲斩皇叔，今幸脱身往汝南去了。夫人可与皇叔到此相会。”二夫人皆掩面垂泪。关公依言，不投河北去，迳取汝南来。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: | The ladies covered their faces and wept at the recital of his dangers. Then the party no longer traveled north but took the road toward Runan. Not long after a great cloud of dust was noticed behind them, and that presently made out a hundred of horsemen. | |
| 32 | 美髯公千... : | 正行之间，背后尘埃起处，一彪人马赶来。当先夏侯敦大叫“关某休走！”正是：六将阻关徒受死，一军拦路复争锋。毕竟关公怎生脱身，且看下文分解。 |
| The Man Of Beautiful...: |
These were led by Xiahou Dun, who shouted out to Guan Yu to stop. One by one the pass commanders stopped his progress and were slain, The river crossed, another army comes and he must fight again. How finally Guan Yu escaped death will appear in the succeeding chapter. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch27