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| Simplified Chinese version |
《议温明董卓叱丁原，馈金珠李肃说吕布 - In Wenming Garden, Dong Zhuo Denounces Ding Yuan; With Red Hare, Li Su Bribes Lu Bu》 |
| 1 | 议温明董... : | 且说曹操当日对何进曰：“宦官之祸，古今皆有；但世主不当假之权宠，使至于此。若欲治罪，当除元恶，但付一狱吏足矣，何必纷纷召外兵乎？欲尽诛之，事必宣露。吾料其必败也。”何进怒曰：“孟德亦怀私意耶？”操退曰：“乱天下者，必进也。”进乃暗差使命赍密诏，星夜往各镇去。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
What Cao Cao said was this: "The eunuch evil is of very old standing, but the real cause of the present trouble is in the improper influence allowed them by the emperors and the misplaced favoritism they have enjoyed. But a gaoler would be ample force to employ against this kind of evil, and getting rid of the main culprits is quite enough. Why increase confusion by summoning troops from the regions? Any desire to slay all of them will speedily become known, and the plan will fail." "Then, Cao Cao, you have some scheme of your own to further," said He Jin with a sneer. Cao Cao left the meeting, proclaiming, "The one who throws the world into chaos is He Jin!" Then He Jin sent swift, secret letters far and wide to several bases. | |
| 2 | 议温明董... : | 却说前将军鳌乡侯西凉刺史董卓，先为破黄巾无功，朝廷将治其罪，因贿赂十常侍幸免；后又结托朝贵，遂任显官，统西州大军二十万，常有不臣之心。是时得诏大喜，点起军马，陆续便行；使其婿中郎将牛辅，守住陕西，自己却带李傕、郭汜、张济、樊稠等提兵望洛阳进发。卓婿谋士李儒曰：“今虽奉诏，中间多有暗昧。何不差人上表，名正言顺，大事可图。”卓大喜，遂上表。其略曰：窃闻天下所以乱逆不止者，皆由黄门常侍张让等侮慢天常之故。臣闻扬汤止沸，不如去薪；溃痈虽痛，胜于养毒。臣敢鸣钟鼓入洛阳，请除让等。社稷幸甚！天下幸甚！ |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
It must be recalled that Dong Zhuo had failed in his attempt to destroy the Yellow Scarves rebellion. He would have been punished if he had not bribed the Ten Eunuchs heavily for their protection. Later, through connections in the capital, he obtained rapid promotions from General to General of the Front Army, to Lord of Aoxiang, to Imperial Protector in the western region of Xizhou and Commander of an army of two hundred thousand troops. But Dong Zhuo was treacherous and disloyal at heart. So when he received the summons to the capital, he rejoiced greatly and lost no time in obeying it. He left a son-in-law, Imperial Commander Niu Fu, to look after the affairs of Xizhou and set out for Luoyang. Dong Zhuo took with him a huge army and four generals —-Li Jue, Guo Si, Zhang Ji, and Fan Chou. Dong Zhuo's adviser and son-in-law, Li Ru, said, "Though a formal summons has come, there are many obscurities in it. It would be well to send up a memorial stating plainly our aims and intentions. Then we can proceed." So Dong Zhuo composed something like this: "Thy servant knows that the continual rebellions owe their origin to Zhang Rang and the Regular Attendants of the Inner Bureau, who act counter to all recognized precepts. Now to stop the ebullition of a pot the best way is to withdraw the fire; to cut out an abscess, though painful, is better than to nourish the evil. I have dared undertake a military advance on the capital, with thy permission, and now pray that Zhang Rang and the other eunuchs be removed for the happiness of the dynasty and of the empire." | |
| 3 | 议温明董... : | 何进得表，出示大臣。侍御史郑泰谏曰：“董卓乃豺狼也，引入京城，必食人矣。”进曰：“汝多疑，不足谋大事。”卢植亦谏曰：“植素知董卓为人，面善心狠；一入禁庭，必生祸患。不如止之勿来，免致生乱。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
He Jin read this memorial and showed it to his partisans. Then said Minister Zheng Tai, "A fierce wild beast: If he comes, his prey will be humans!" He Jin replied, "You are too timorous: You are unequal to great schemes." But Lu Zhi also said, "Long have I known this man. In appearance innocent, he is a very wolf at heart. Let him in, and calamity enters with him. Stop him, do not let him come, and thus will you avoid upheaval." | |
| 4 | 议温明董... : | 进不听，郑泰、卢植皆弃官而去。朝廷大臣，去者大半。进使人迎董卓于渑池，卓按兵不动。张让等知外兵到，共议曰：“此何进之谋也；我等不先下手，皆灭族矣。”乃先伏刀斧手五十人于长乐宫嘉德门内，入告何太后曰：“今大将军矫诏召外兵至京师，欲灭臣等，望娘娘垂怜赐救。”太后曰：“汝等可诣大将军府谢罪。”让曰：“若到相府，骨肉虀粉矣。望娘娘宣大将军入宫谕止之。如其不从，臣等只就娘娘前请死。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
He Jin was obstinate, and both Zheng Tai and Lu Zhi gave up their posts and retired, as did more than half the ministers of state, while He Jin sent a warm welcome to Dong Zhuo, who soon camped at Shengchi Lake and stationed there without further action. Zhang Rang and the eunuchs knew this move was directed against them and said, "This is He Jin's plot. If we do not strike first, our whole clans shall be exterminated." So they hid a band of fifty armed ruffians at the Gate of Grand Virtue in the Palace of Happiness, where the Empress lived, then they went in to see her. They said, "The General, feigning to act under command, has called up armies to the capital to destroy us. We pray you, Your Majesty, pity and save us!" "Go to the General and confess your faults," said the Empress. "If we did, then should we be cut to mincemeat! Rather summon the General into your presence and command him to cease. If he will not, then we pray but die in your presence." | |
| 5 | 议温明董... : | 太后乃降诏宣进。进得诏便行。主簿陈琳谏曰：“太后此诏，必是十常侍之谋，切不可去。去必有祸。”进曰：“太后诏我，有何祸事？”袁绍曰：“今谋已泄，事已露，将军尚欲入宫耶？”曹操曰：“先召十常侍出，然后可入。”进笑曰：“此小儿之见也。吾掌天下之权，十常侍敢待如何？”绍曰：“公必欲去，我等引甲士护从，以防不测。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Empress He issued the requisite command. He Jin was just going to her when Secretary Chen Lin advised him not to enter, saying, "The eunuchs are certainly behind the order and mean your harm." But He Jin could only see the command of the Empress and was oblivious to all else. Said he, "Clearly, this is an edict from the Empress. What harm?" "Our plot is no longer a secret," said Yuan Shao. "Still you may go if you are ready to fight your way in." "Get the eunuchs out first!" said Cao Cao. "Silly children!" said He Jin. "What can they do against the man who holds the forces of the empire in his palm?" Yuan Shao said, "If you will go, then we will come as a guard, just as a precaution." | |
| 6 | 议温明董... : | 于是袁绍、曹操各选精兵五百，命袁绍之弟袁术领之。袁术全身披挂，引兵布列青琐门外。绍与操带剑护送何进至长乐宫前。黄门传懿旨云：“太后特宣大将军，馀人不许辄入。”将袁绍、曹操等都阻住宫门外。何进昂然直入。至嘉德殿门，张让、段圭迎出，左右围住，进大惊。让厉声责进曰：“董后何罪，妄以酖死？国母丧葬，托疾不出！汝本屠沽小辈，我等荐之天子，以致荣贵：不思报效，欲相谋害！汝言我等甚浊，其清者是谁？”进慌急，欲寻出路，宫门尽闭，伏甲齐出，将何进砍为两段。后人有诗叹之曰：汉室倾危天数终，无谋何进作三公。几番不听忠臣谏，难免宫中受剑锋。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Whereupon both Yuan Shao and Cao Cao chose five hundred best men under their command, at whose head they placed Yuan Shu, a brother of Yuan Shao. Yuan Shu, clad in mail, drew up his troops outside the Forbidden City's entrance, while Yuan Shao and Cao Cao, holding swords, went as escort. When He Jin neared the Palace of Happiness, the officers from the Inner Bureau said, "The orders are to admit the Regent Marshal and none other." So the escort was detained outside. He Jin went in proudly. At the Gate of Grand Virtue, he was met by Zhang Rang and Duan Gui, and their followers quickly closed in around him. He Jin began to feel alarmed. Then Zhang Rang in a harsh voice began to revile him: "What crime had Empress Dong committed that she should have been put to death? And when the Mother of the Country was buried, who feigned sickness and did not attend? We raised you and your paltry, huckstering family to all the dignity and wealth you have, and this is your gratitude! You would slay us. You call us sordid and dirty: Who is the cleaner?" He Jin was panic stricken and looked about for a way to escape, but all gates had been shut. The eunuchs closed him in, and then the assassins appeared and cut He Jin into halves. Closing the days of the Hans, and the years of their rule were near spent, Stupid and tactless was He Jin, yet stood he highest in office, Many were they who advised him, but he was deaf as he heard not, Wherefore fell he a victim under the swords of the eunuchs. | |
| 7 | 议温明董... : | 让等既杀何进，袁绍久不见进出，乃于宫门外大叫曰：“请将军上车！”让等将何进首级从墙上掷出，宣谕曰：“何进谋反，已伏诛矣。其馀胁从，尽皆赦宥。”袁绍厉声大叫：“阉官谋杀大臣！诛恶党者前来助战！”何进部将吴匡，便于青琐门外放起火来。袁术引兵突入宫庭，但见阉官，不谕大小，尽皆杀之。袁绍、曹操斩关入内。赵忠，程旷，夏恽，郭胜四个被赶至翠花楼前，剁为肉泥。宫中火焰冲天。张让，段圭，曹节，侯览将太后及太子并陈留王劫去内省，从后道走北宫。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
So He Jin died. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao waited long. By and by, impatient at the delay, they called through the gate, "Thy carriage awaits, O General!" For reply the head of He Jin was flung over the wall. A decree was proclaimed: "He Jin has contemplated treachery and therefore has been slain! It pardons his adherents." Yuan Shao shouted, "The eunuchs have slain the High Minister. Let those who will slay this wicked party come and help me!" Then one of He Jin's generals, Wu Kuang, set fire to the gate. Yuan Shu at the head of his guards burst in and fell to slaying the eunuchs without regard to age or rank. Yuan Shao and Cao Cao broke into the inner part of the Palace. Four of the eunuchs —-Zhao Zhong, Cheng Kuang, Xia Yun, and Guo Sheng —-fled to the Blue Flower Lodge where they were hacked to pieces. Fire raged, destroying the buildings. Four of the Ten Regular Attendants —-Zhang Rang, Duan Gui, Cao Jie, and Hou Lan —-led by Zhang Rang carried off the Empress, Emperor Bian, and Prince Xian of Chenliu toward the North Palace. | |
| 8 | 议温明董... : | 时卢植弃官未去，见宫中事变，擐甲持戈，立于阁下。遥见段圭拥逼何后过来，植大呼曰：“段圭逆贼，安敢劫太后！”段圭回身便走。太后从窗中跳出，植急救得免。吴匡杀入内庭，见何苗亦提剑出。匡大呼曰：“何苗同谋害兄，当共杀之！”众人俱曰：“愿斩谋兄之贼！”苗欲走，四面围定，砍为虀粉。绍复令军士分头来杀十常侍家属，不分大小，尽皆诛绝，多有无须者误被杀死。曹操一面救灭宫中之火，请何太后权摄大事，遣兵追袭张让等，寻觅少帝。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Lu Zhi, since he had resigned office, was at home, but hearing of the revolution in the Palace he donned his armor, took his spear, and prepared to fight. He saw Eunuch Duan Gui hurrying the Empress along and called out, "You rebel, how dare you abduct the Empress?" The eunuch fled. The Empress leaped out of a window and was taken to a place of safety. General Wu Kuang burst into one of the inner halls where he found He Miao, sword in hand. "You also were in the plot to slay your own brother," cried Wu Kuang. "You shall die with the others!" "Let us kill the plotter against his elder brother!" cried many. He Miao looked around: His enemies hemmed him in on every side. He was hacked to pieces. Yuan Shu bade his soldiers scatter and seek out all the families of the eunuchs, sparing none. In that slaughter many beardless men were killed in error. Cao Cao set himself to extinguish the fires. He then begged Empress He to undertake the direction of affairs, and soldiers were sent to pursue Zhang Rang and rescue the young Emperor and the young Prince of Chenliu. | |
| 9 | 议温明董... : | 且说张让，段圭，劫拥少帝及陈留王，冒烟突火，连夜奔走至北邙山。约三更时分，后面喊声大举，人马赶至；当前何南中部掾吏闵贡，大呼：“逆贼休走！”张让见事急，遂投河而死。帝与陈留王未知虚实，不敢高声，伏于河边乱草之内。军马四散去赶，不知帝之所在。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Meanwhile, Zhang Rang and Duan Gui had hustled away the Emperor and the Prince. They burst through the smoke and fire and traveled without stopping till they reached the Beimang Hills. It was then the third watch. They heard a great shouting behind them and saw soldiers in pursuit. Their leader, Min Gong, a commander in Henan, was shouting, "Traitors, stop, stop!" Zhang Rang, seeing that he was lost, jumped into the river, where he was drowned. The two boys ignorant of the meaning of all this confusion and terrified out of their senses, dared not utter a cry. They crept in among the rank grass on the river bank and hid. The soldiers scattered in all directions but failed to find them. | |
| 10 | 议温明董... : | 帝与王伏至四更，露水又下，腹中饥馁，相抱而哭；又怕人知觉，吞声草莽之中。陈留王曰：“此间不可久恋，须别寻活路。”于是二人以衣相结，爬上岸边。满地荆棘，黑暗之中，不见行路。正无奈何，忽有流萤千百成群，光芒照耀，只在帝前飞转。陈留王曰：“此天助我兄弟也！”遂随萤火而行，渐渐见路。行至五更，足痛不能行。山冈边见一草堆，帝与王卧于草堆之畔。草堆前面是一所庄院。庄主是夜梦两红日坠于庄后，惊觉，披衣出户，四下观望。见庄后草堆上红光冲天，慌忙往视，却是二人卧于草畔。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
So they remained till the fourth watch, shivering with cold from the drenching dew and very hungry. They lay down in the thick grass and wept in each other's arms, silently, lest anyone should discover them. "This is no a place to stay in," said Prince Xian. "We must find some way out." So the two children knotted their clothes together and managed to crawl up the bank. They were in a thicket of thorn bushes, and it was quite dark. They could not see any path. They were in despair when, all at once, millions of fireflies sprang up all about them and circled in the air in front of the Emperor. "God is helping us," said Prince Xian. They followed whither the fireflies led and gradually got into a road. They walked till their feet were too sore to go further, when, seeing a heap of straw near the road, they crept to it and lay down. This heap of straw was close to a farm house. In the night, as the farmer was sleeping, he saw in a vision two bright red suns drop behind his dwelling. Alarmed by the portent, he hastily dressed and went forth to look about him. Then he saw a bright light shooting up from a heap of straw. He hastened thither and then saw two youths lying behind it. | |
| 11 | 议温明董... : | 庄主问曰：“二少年谁家之子？”帝不敢应。陈留王指帝曰：“此是当今皇帝，遭十常侍之乱，逃难到此。吾乃皇弟陈留王也。”庄主大惊，再拜曰：“臣先朝司徒崔烈之弟崔毅也。因见十常侍卖官嫉贤，故隐于此。”遂扶帝入庄，跪进酒食。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
"To what household do you belong, young gentlemen?" asked the farmer. The Emperor was too frightened to reply, but his companion said, "He is the Emperor. There was a revolution in the Forbidden City, and we ran away. I am his brother, Prince of Chenliu." The farmer bowed again and again and said, "My name is Cui Yi. My brother Cui Lie is the former Minister of the Interior. My brother was disgusted with the behavior of the eunuchs and so resigned and hid away here." The two lads were taken into the farm, and their host on his knees served them with refreshment. | |
| 12 | 议温明董... : | 却说闵贡赶上段圭拏住，问天子何在。圭言已在半路相失，不知何往。贡遂杀段圭，悬头于马项下，分兵四散寻觅；自己却独乘一马，随路追寻。偶至崔毅庄，毅见首级，问之，贡说详细。崔毅引贡见帝，君臣痛哭。贡曰：“国不可一日无君，请陛下还都。”崔毅庄上只有瘦马一匹，备与帝乘。贡与陈留王共乘一马。离庄而行，不到三里，司徒王允，太尉杨彪，左军校尉淳于琼，右军校尉赵萌，后军校尉鲍信，中军校尉袁绍，一行人众，数百人马，接著车驾，君臣皆哭。先使人将段圭首级往京师号令。另换好马与帝及陈留王骑坐，簇帝还京。先是洛阳小儿谣曰：“帝非帝，王非王，千乘万骑走北邙。”至此果应其谶。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
It has been said that Min Gong had gone in pursuit of Eunuch Duan Gui. By and by Min Gong overtook Duan Gui and cried, "Where is the Emperor?" "He disappeared! I do not know where he is!" Min Gong slew Duan Gui and hung the bleeding head on his horse's neck. Then he sent his troops searching in all directions, and he rode off by himself on the same quest. Presently he came to the farm. Cui Yi, seeing what hung on his horse's neck, questioned him and, satisfied with his story, led him to the Emperor. The meeting was affecting. All were moved to tears. "The state cannot be without its ruler," said Min Gong. "I pray Your Majesty return to the city." At the farm they had but one sorry nag and this they saddled for the Emperor. The young Prince was taken on Min Gong's charger. And thus they left the farm. Not beyond one mile from the farm, they fell in with other officials and several hundred guards and soldiers made up an imposing cavalcade. In the cavalcade were Wang Yun, Minister of the Interior; Yang Biao, Grand Commander; Chunyu Qiong, Commander of the Left Army; Zhao Meng, Commander of the Right Army; Bao Xin, Commander of the Rear Army; and Yuan Shao, Commander of the Center Army. Tears were shed freely as the ministers met their Emperor. A man was sent on in front to the capital there to expose the head of Eunuch Duan Gui. As soon as they could, they placed the Emperor on a better steed and the young Prince had a horse to himself. Thus the Emperor returned to Luoyang, and so it happened after all as the street children's ditty ran: Though the emperor doesn't rule, though the prince no office fills, Yet a brilliant cavalcade comes along from Beimang Hills. | |
| 13 | 议温明董... : | 车驾行不到数里，忽见旌旗蔽日，尘土遮天，一枝人马到来。百官失色，帝亦大惊。袁绍骤马出问何人。绣旗影里，一将飞出，厉声问：“天子何在？”帝战栗不能言。陈留王勒马向前，叱曰：“来者何人？”卓曰：“西凉刺史董卓也。”陈留王曰：“汝来保驾耶？汝来劫驾耶？”卓应曰：“特来保驾。”陈留王曰：“既来保驾，天子在此，何不下马？”卓大惊，慌忙下马，拜于道左。陈留王以言抚慰董卓，自初至终，并无失语。卓暗奇之，已怀废立之意。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
The cavalcade had not proceeded far when they saw coming towards them a large body of soldiers with fluttering banners hiding the sun and raising a huge cloud of dust. The officials turned pale, and the Emperor was greatly alarmed. Yuan Shao rode out in advance. "Who are you?" said Yuan Shao. From under the shade of an embroidered banner rode out a leader, saying, "Do you have the Emperor?" The Emperor was too panic stricken to respond, but the Prince of Chenliu rode to the front and cried, "Who are you?" "Dong Zhuo, Imperial Protector of Xizhou Region." "Have you come to protect the Chariot or to steal it?" said Prince Xian. "I have come to protect," said Dong Zhuo. "If that is so, the Emperor is here: Why do you not dismount?" Dong Zhuo hastily dismounted and made obeisance on the left of the road. Then Prince Xian spoke graciously to him. From first to last the Prince had carried himself most perfectly so that Dong Zhuo in his heart admired his behavior, and then arose the first desire to set aside the Emperor in favor of the Prince of Chenliu. | |
| 14 | 议温明董... : | 是日还宫，见何太后，俱各痛哭。检点宫中，不见了传国玉玺。董卓屯兵城外，每日带铁甲马军入城，横行街市，百姓惶惶不安。卓出入宫庭，略无忌惮。后军校尉鲍信，来见袁绍，言董卓必有异心，可速除之。绍曰：“朝廷新定，未可轻动。”鲍信见王允，亦言其事。允曰：“且容商议。”信自引本部军兵，投泰山去了。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
They reached the Palace the same day, and there was an affecting interview with Empress He. But when they had restored order in the Palace, the Imperial Hereditary Seal, the special seal of the Emperor, was missing. Dong Zhuo camped without the walls, but every day he was to be seen in the streets with an escort of mailed soldiers so that the common people were in a state of constant trepidation. He also went in and out of the Palace careless of all the rules of propriety. Commander of the Rear Army Bao Xin spoke of Dong Zhuo's behavior to Yuan Shao, saying, "This man harbors some evil design and should be removed." "Nothing can be done till the government is more settled," said Yuan Shao. Then Bao Xin saw Minister of the Interior Wang Yun and asked what he thought. "Let us talk it over," was the reply. Bao Xin said no more but he left the capital and retired to the Taishan Mountains. | |
| 15 | 议温明董... : | 董卓招诱何进兄弟部下之兵，尽归掌握。私谓李儒曰：“吾欲废帝立陈留王，何如？”李儒曰：“今朝廷无主，不就此时行事，迟则有变矣。来日于温明园中，召集百官，谕以废立；有不从者斩之，则威权之行，正在今日。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: | Dong Zhuo induced the soldiers of the two brothers He Jin and He Miao to join his command, and privately spoke to his adviser Li Ru about deposing the Emperor in favor of the Prince of Chenliu. Li Ru saisd, "The government is really without a head. There can be no better time than this to carry out your plan. Delay will spoil all. Tomorrow assemble the officials in the Wenming Garden and address them on the subject. Put all opponents to death, and your prestige is settled." | |
| 16 | 议温明董... : | 卓喜。次日大排筵会，遍请公卿。公卿皆惧董卓，谁敢不到？卓待百官到了，然后徐徐到园门下马，带剑入席。酒行数巡，卓教停酒止乐，乃厉声曰：“吾有一言，众官静听。”众官侧耳。卓曰：“天子为万民之主，无威仪不可以奉宗庙社稷。今上懦弱，不若陈留王聪明好学，可承大位。吾欲废帝，立陈留王，诸大臣以为何如？”诛官听罢，不敢出声。座上一人推案直出，立于筵前，大呼：“不可！不可！汝是何人，敢发大语？天子乃先帝嫡子，初无过失，何得妄议废立？汝欲为篡逆耶？”卓视之，乃荆州刺史丁原也。卓怒叱曰：“顺我者生，逆我者死！”遂掣佩剑欲斩丁原。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
The words pleased Dong Zhuo mightily. So the next day Dong Zhuo spread a feast and invited many guests. As all the officers went in terror of him, no one dared be absent. Dong Zhuo himself rode up to the garden last of all and took his place with his sword girded on. When the wine had gone round several times, Dong Zhuo stopped the service and the music and began to speak. "I have something to say. Listen quietly all of you!" All turned towards him. "The emperor is lord of all. If he lacks dignity and behaves in an unseemly manner, he is no fitting inheritor of the ancestral prerogatives. He who is now on the throne is a weakling, inferior to the Prince of Chenliu in intelligence and love of learning. The Prince is in every way fitted for the throne. I desire to depose the Emperor and set up the Prince in his place. What think you?" The assembly listened in perfect silence, none daring at first to utter a word of dissent. But one dared; for suddenly a guest stood up in his place, smote the table and cried. "No! No! Who are you that you dare utter such bold words? The Emperor is son of the late Emperor and has done no wrong. Why then should he be deposed? Are you a rebel?" The speaker was Ding Yuan, Imperial Protector of Bingzhou. Dong Zhuo glared at Ding Yuan, roaring, "There is life for those who are with me, death for those against!" Dong Zhuo drew his sword and made for the objector. | |
| 17 | 议温明董... : | 时李儒见丁原背后一人，生得器字轩昂，威风凛凛，手执方天画戟，怒目而视。李儒急进曰：“今日饮宴之处，不可谈国政；来日向都堂公论未迟。”众人皆劝丁原上马而去。卓问百官曰：“吾所言，合公道否？”卢植曰：“明公差矣：昔太甲不明，伊尹放之于桐宫。昌邑王登位方二十七日，造恶三千馀条，故霍光告太庙而废之。今上虽幼，聪明仁智，并无分毫过失。公乃外郡刺史，素未参与国政，又无伊、霍之大才，何可强主废立之事？圣人云‘有伊尹之志则可，无伊尹之志则篡也。’”卓大怒，拔剑向前欲杀植。议郎彭伯谏曰：“卢尚书海内人望，今先害之，恐天下震怖。”卓乃止。司徒王允曰：“废立之事，不可酒后相商，另日再议。”于是百官皆散。卓按剑立于园门，忽见一人跃马持戟，于园门外往来驰骤。卓问李儒：“此何人也？”儒曰：“此丁原义兄：姓吕，名布，字奉先者也。主公且须避之。”卓乃入园潜避。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
But the watchful Li Ru had noticed standing behind Ding Yuan a particularly dangerous looking henchman of his, who was now handling his halberd threateningly, and whose eyes were blazing with anger. So Li Ru hastily interposed, saying, "But this is the banquet chamber, and state affairs should be left outside. The matters can be fully discussed tomorrow." His fellow guests persuaded Ding Yuan to leave, and after his departure Dong Zhuo said, "Is what I said just and reasonable?" "You are mistaken, Illustrious Sir," said Lu Zhi. "Of old Emperor Tai Jia of the Shang Dynasty was unenlightened. Wherefore the sage Minister Yi Yin immured him in the Tong Palace till he reformed. Later the Prince of Changyi ascended the throne, and in twenty-seven days he committed more than three thousand categorical faults. Wherefore Regent Marshal Huo Guang declared in the ancestral temple that the Prince of Changyi was deposed. Our present Emperor is young, but he is intelligent, benevolent, and wise. He has not committed a single fault. You, Sir, are an imperial protector of a frontier region and not a metropolitan official and have had no experience in state administration. Neither have you the pure intentions of Yi Yin and Huo Guang which qualified their actions. The Teacher said: 'Only with Yi Yin's purpose can one act like Yi Yin. Otherwise, such a deed is treason.'" Dong Zhuo angrily drew his sword to slay the bold Lu Zhi, but two other officials remonstrated. "Minister Lu Zhi is the cynosure of the whole country, and his violent death would stir the hearts of all people!" said Court Counselors Cai Yong and Peng Bo. Dong Zhuo then stayed his hand. Then said Wang Yun, "A great question like the deposition and substitution of emperors is not one to be decided after a wine party. Let it be put off till another time." So the guests dispersed. Dong Zhuo stood at the gate with drawn sword watching them depart. Standing thus, Dong Zhuo noticed a spearman galloping to and fro on a fiery steed and asked Li Ru who that was. "That is Lu Bu, the adopted son of Ding Yuan. You must keep out of his way, my lord." Dong Zhuo went inside the gate so that he could not be seen. | |
| 18 | 议温明董... : | 次日，人报丁原引军城外搦战。卓怒，引军同李儒出迎。两阵对圆，只见吕布顶束发金冠，披百花战袍，擐唐猊铠甲，系狮蛮宝带，纵马挺戟，随丁建阳出到阵前。建阳指卓骂曰：“国家不幸，阉官弄权，以致万民涂炭。尔无尺寸之功，焉敢妄言废立，欲乱朝廷？” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
But next day they reported to him that Ding Yuan had come out of the city with a small army and was challenging to a battle. Dong Zhuo, with his army, went forth to accept the challenge. And the two armies were drawn up in proper array. Lu Bu was a conspicuous figure in the forefront. His hair was arranged under a handsome headdress of gold, and he had donned a embroidered thousand-flower fighting robe, a pheasant-tailed helmet, and breast plate, and round his waist was a gleaming jade belt with a lion's head clasp. With spear set he rode close behind his master Ding Yuan. Ding Yuan, riding forth, pointing his finger at Dong Zhuo, began to revile him. "Unhappy indeed was this state when the eunuchs became so powerful that the people were as if trodden into the mire under their feet. Now you, devoid of the least merit, dare to talk of deposing the rightful emperor and setting up another. This is to desire rebellion and no less!" | |
| 19 | 议温明董... : | 董卓未及回言，吕布飞马直杀过来。董卓慌走，建阳率军掩杀。卓兵大败，退三十馀里下寨，聚众商议。卓曰：“吾观吕布非常人也。吾若得此人，何虑天下哉？”帐前一人出曰：“主公勿忧：某与吕布同乡，知其勇而无谋，见利忘义。某凭三寸不烂之舌，说吕布拱手来降，可乎？” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Dong Zhuo could not reply for Lu Bu, eager for the fight, rode straight at him. Dong Zhuo fled and Ding Yuan's army came on. The battle went in Ding Yuan's favor, and the beaten troops retired ten miles and made another camp. Here Dong Zhuo called his officers to a council. "This Lu Bu is a marvel," said Dong Zhuo. "If he were only on my side, I would defy the whole world!" At this a man advanced saying, "Be content, O my lord! I am a fellow villager of his and know him well: He is valorous, but not crafty; he will let go principles, when he sees advantages. With this little, blarneying tongue of mine, I can persuade him to put up his hands and come over to your side." | |
| 20 | 议温明董... : | 卓大喜，观其人，乃虎贲中郎李肃也。卓曰：“汝将何以说之？”肃曰：“某闻主公有名马一匹，号曰‘赤兔’，日行千里。须得此马，再用金珠，以利结其心。某更进说词，吕布必反丁原，来投主公矣。”卓问李儒曰：“此言可乎？”儒曰：“主公欲取天下，何惜一马？”卓欣然与之，更与黄金一千两、明珠数十颗、玉带一条。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Dong Zhuo was delighted and gazed admiringly at the speaker. It was Li Su, a general in the Imperial Tiger Army. "What arguments will you use with him?" asked Dong Zhuo. "You have a fine horse, Red Hare, one of the best ever bred. I must have this steed, and gold and pearls to win his heart. Then will I go and persuade him. He will certainly abandon Ding Yuan's service for yours." "What think you?" said Dong Zhuo to his adviser Li Ru. "One cannot grudge a horse to win an empire," was the reply. So they gave Li Su what he demanded —-a thousand ounces of gold, ten strings of beautiful pearls, a jeweled belt, and Red Hare —-and these accompanied Li Su on his visit to his fellow villager. | |
| 21 | 议温明董... : | 李肃赍了礼物，投吕布寨来。伏路军人围住。肃曰：“可速报吕将军，有故人来见。”军人报知，布命入见。肃见布曰：“贤弟别来无恙！”布揖曰：“久不相见，今居何处？”肃曰：“见任虎贲中郎将之职。闻贤弟匡扶社稷，不胜之喜。有良马一匹，日行千里，渡水登山，如履平地，名曰‘赤兔’：特献与贤弟，以助虎威。”布便令牵过来看。果然那马浑身上下，火炭般赤，无半根杂毛；从头至尾，长一丈；从蹄至项，高八尺；嘶喊咆哮，有腾空入海之状。后人有诗单道赤兔马曰：奔腾千里荡尘埃，渡水登山紫雾开。掣断丝缰摇玉辔，火龙飞下九天来。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Li Su reached the camp and said to the guard, "Please tell General Lu Bu that a very old friend has come to visit him." He was admitted forthwith. "Worthy brother, have you been well since we last met?" greeted Li Su while bowing. "How long it is since we last saw each other!" replied Lu Bu, bowing in return. "And where are you now?" "I am a general in the Imperial Tiger Army. When I learned you were a strong supporter of the Throne, I could not say how I rejoiced. I have come now to present to you a really fine horse, a three-hundred-mile-a-day horse, one that crosses rivers and goes up mountains as if they were the level plain. Its name is Red Hare. It will be a fitting aid to your valor." Lu Bu bade his guards lead out the horse. It was of a uniform color like glowing-sun red —-not a hair of another color. It measured ten spans from head to tail and from hoof to neck eight spans. When it neighed, the sound filled the empyrean and shook the ocean. Mark ye the steed swift and tireless, see the dust, spurned by his hoofs, rising in clouds, Now it swims the river, anon climbs the hill, rending the purple mist asunder, Scornful it breaks the rein, shakes from its head the jeweled bridle, It is as a fiery dragon descending from the highest heaven. | |
| 22 | 议温明董... : | 布见了此马，大喜，谢肃曰：“兄赐此良驹，将何以为报？”肃曰：“某为义气而来，岂望报乎？”布置酒相待。酒酣，肃曰：“肃与贤弟少得相见；令尊却常会来。”布曰：“兄醉矣！先父弃世多年，安得与兄相会？”肃大笑曰：“非也；某说今日丁刺史耳。”布惶恐曰：“某在丁建阳处，亦出于无奈。”肃曰：“贤弟有擎天驾海之才，四海孰不钦敬？功名富贵，如探囊取物，何言无奈而在人之下乎？”布曰：“恨不逢其主耳。”肃笑曰：“‘良禽择木而栖，贤臣择主而事。’见机不早，悔之晚矣。”布曰：“兄在朝廷，观何人为世之英雄？”肃曰：“某遍观群臣，皆不如董卓，董卓为人敬贤礼士，赏罚分明，终成大业。”布曰：“某欲从之，恨无门路。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Lu Bu was delighted with the horse and said, "What return can I hope to make for such a creature?" "What return can I hope for? I came to you out of a sense of what is right," replied Li Su. Wine was brought in and they drank. "We have seen very little of each other, but I am constantly meeting your honorable father," said Li Su. "You are drunk," said Lu Bu. "My father has been dead for years." "Not so; I spoke of Ding Yuan, the man of the day." Lu Bu started. "Yes, I am with him, but only because I can do no better." "Sir, your talent is higher than the heavens, deeper than the seas. Who in all the world does not bow before your name? Fame and riches and honors are yours for the taking. And you say you can do no better than remain a subordinate!" "If I could only find a master to serve," said Lu Bu. "The clever bird chooses the branch whereon to perch; the wise servant selects the master to serve. Seize the chance when it comes, for repentance ever comes too late." "Now you are in the government. Who think you is really the bravest of all?", asked Lu Bu. "I despise the whole lot except Dong Zhuo. He is one who respects wisdom and reveres scholarship; he is discriminating in his rewards and punishments. Surely he is destined to be a really great man." Lu Bu said, "I wish that I could serve him, but there is no way, I fear." | |
| 23 | 议温明董... : | 肃取金珠、玉带列于布前。布惊曰：“何为有此？”肃令叱退左右，告布曰：“此是董公久慕大名，特令某将此奉献。赤兔马亦董公所赠也。”布曰：“董公如此见爱，某将何以报之？”肃曰：“如某之不才，尚为虎贲中郎将；公若到彼，贵不可言。”布曰：“恨无涓埃之功，以为进见之礼。”肃曰：“功在翻手之间，公不肯为耳。”布沈吟良久曰：“吾欲杀丁原，引军归董卓，何如？”肃曰：“贤弟若能如此，真莫大之功也！但事不宜迟，在于速决。” |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Then Li Su produced his pearls and gold and the jeweled belt and laid them out before his host. "What is this? What does it mean?" said Lu Bu. "Send away the attendants," requested Li Su. And he went on, "Dong Zhuo has long respected your bravery and sent these by my hand. Red Hare was also from him." "But, if he loves me like this, what can I do in return?" Li Su said, "If a stupid fellow like me can be a general in the Imperial Tiger Army, it is impossible to say what honors await you." "I am sorry I can offer him no service worth mentioning." Li Su said, "There is one service you can do, and an extremely easy one to perform; but you would not render that." Lu Bu pondered long in silence, then he said, "I might slay Ding Yuan and bring over his soldiers to Dong Zhuo's side. What think you of that?" "If you would do that, there could be no greater service. But such a thing must be done quickly." | |
| 24 | 议温明董... : | 布与肃约于明日来降，肃别去。是夜二更时分，布提刀迳入丁原帐中。原正秉烛观书，见布至，曰：“吾儿来有何事故？”布曰：“吾堂堂丈夫，安肯为汝子乎！”原曰：“奉先何故心变？”布向前一刀砍下丁原首级，大呼：“左右！丁原不仁，吾已杀之。肯从吾者在此，不从者自去！”军士散其大半。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
And Lu Bu promised his friend that he would do the deed and come over on the morrow. So Li Su took his leave. That very night, at the second watch, Lu Bu entered, sword in hand, into his master's tent. He found Ding Yuan reading by the light of a solitary candle. Seeing who came in, Ding Yuan said, "My son, what is afoot?" "I am a bold hero," said Lu Bu. "Do not think I am willing to be a son of yours!" "Why this change, Lu Bu?" As a reply Lu Bu made one cut, and Ding Yuan's head fell to the earth. Then Lu Bu called the attendants and said, "He was an unjust man, and I have slain him. Let those who back me stay. The others may depart." Most ran away. | |
| 25 | 议温明董... : | 次日，布持丁原首级，往见李肃。肃遂引布见卓。卓大喜，置酒相待。卓先下拜曰：“卓今得将军，如旱苗之得甘雨也。”布纳卓坐而拜之曰：“公若不弃，布请拜为义父。”卓以金甲锦袍赐布，畅饮而散。卓自是威势越大，自领前将军事，封弟董旻为左将军鄠侯，封吕布为骑都尉中郎将都亭侯。李儒劝卓早定废立之计。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
Next day, with the head of the murdered man as his gift, Lu Bu betook himself to Li Su, who led him to Dong Zhuo. Dong Zhuo received him with a warm welcome and had wine set before him. "Your coming is welcome as the gentle dew to the parched grass," said Dong Zhuo. Lu Bu made Dong Zhuo seat himself and then made an obeisance, saying, "Pray let me bow to you as my adopted father!" Dong Zhuo gave his newly won ally gold armor and silken robes and spread the feast of welcome. They then separated. Thence Dong Zhuo's power and influence increased rapidly. He gave the lordship of Hu (an ancient state) and the rank Commander of the Left Army to his brother Dong Min. He appointed Lu Bu Lord of Luoyang, Commander of Capital District, and Cavalry Commander. Dong Zhuo made himself Minister of Works, Grand Commander, and Commander of the Front Army. The adviser Li Ru never ceased from urging him to carry out the design of deposing the young Emperor. | |
| 26 | 议温明董... : | 卓乃于省中设宴，会集公卿，令吕布将甲士千馀，侍卫左右。是日，太传袁隗与百官皆到。酒行数巡，卓拔剑曰：“今上暗弱，不可以奉宗庙；吾将依伊尹、霍光故事，废帝为弘农王，立陈留王皇帝。有不从者斩！”群臣惶怖莫敢对。中军校尉袁绍挺身出曰：“今上即位未几，并无失德；汝欲废嫡立庶，非反而何？”卓怒曰：“天下事在我！我今为之，谁敢不从？汝视我之剑不利否？”袁绍亦拔剑曰：“汝剑利，吾剑未尝不利！”两个在筵上对敌。正是：丁原仗义身先丧，袁绍争锋势又危。毕竟袁绍性命如何，且听下文分解。 |
| In Wenming Garden, Dong...: |
The now all-powerful Dong Zhuo prepared a banquet in the capital at which all the officers of state were guests. He also bade Lu Bu post a company of armed men right and left ready for action. The feast began and several courses were served with nothing to distinguish that banquet from any other. Then suddenly the host arose and drew his sword, saying, "He who is above us being weak and irresolute is unfit for the duties of his high place. Wherefore I, as of old did Yi Yin and Huo Guang, will set aside this Emperor giving him the title of Prince of Hongnong, and I will place on the throne the present Prince of Chenliu. And those who do not support me will suffer death." Fear seized them in its grip and they were silent, all but Yuan Shao who said, "The Emperor was innocent of any fault, and to set him aside in favor of a commoner was rebellion and nothing else!" "The empire is in my hands!" cried Dong Zhuo. "When I choose to do this thing, who will dare to say nay? Think you my sword lacks an edge?" "If your sword is sharp, mine is never blunt!" said Yuan Shao as his sword flashed out of the sheath. The two men stood face to face amid the feasters. When Ding Yuan by treacherous murder died, The loss was great to Yuan Shao's side. The fate of Yuan Shao will be disclosed in later chapters. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch3