| Chinese Text Project | |
| Simplified Chinese version |
《蔡夫人议献荆州，诸葛亮火烧新野 - Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou; Zhuge Liang Burns Xinye》 |
| 1 | 蔡夫人议... : | 却说玄德问孔明求拒曹兵之计。孔明曰：“新野小县，不可久居。近闻刘景升病在危笃，可乘此机会，取彼荆州为安身之地，庶可拒曹操也。”玄德曰：“公言甚善。但备受景升之恩，安忍图之？”孔明曰：“今若不取，后悔何及？”玄德曰：“吾宁死不忍作负义之事。”孔明曰：“且再作商议。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
When Liu Bei asked how his adviser hoped to repel Cao Cao, Zhuge Liang replied, "Xinye is a small city and unfitted for our lengthy occupation. Liu Biao is ill and failing fast, so this is the time to take his region as a base where we may be safe against Cao Cao." "You speak well, but Liu Biao has shown me great kindness, and I could not bear to serve him an ill turn." "If you do not take this opportunity, you will regret it ever after," said Zhuge Liang. "I would rather perish than do what is wrong." "We will discuss it again," replied Zhuge Liang. | |
| 2 | 蔡夫人议... : | 却说夏侯敦败回许昌，自缚见曹操，伏地请死。操释之。敦曰：“敦遭诸葛亮诡计，用火攻破我军。”操曰：“汝自幼用兵，岂不知狭处须防火攻？”敦曰：“李典、于禁曾言及此，悔之不及！”操乃赏二人。敦曰：“刘备如此猖獗，真腹心之患也，不可不急除。”操曰：“吾所虑者，刘备、孙权耳。馀皆不足介意。今当乘此时扫平江南。”便传令起大兵五十万，令曹仁、曹洪，为第一队；张辽、张合，为第二队；夏侯渊、夏侯敦，为第三队；于禁、李典，为第四队；操自领诸将为第五队。每队各引兵十万。又令许褚为折冲将军，引兵三千为先锋。选定建安十三年秋七月丙午日出师。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
When Xiahou Dun reached the capital, he presented himself to his master in bonds and craved death. But his master loosed him and let him tell his tale. And Xiahou Dun said, "I was the victim of Zhuge Liang's evil machinations: He attacked with fire." "As a soldier from your youth, you should have remembered that fire was a likely weapon in narrow roads." "Li Dian and Yu Jin reminded me. I am sorry enough now." Cao Cao rewarded Li Dian and Yu Jin who had warned their leader. "Liu Bei as strong as he is now certainly is a menace to our existence, and he must be quickly destroyed," said Xiahou Dun. "He is one of my anxieties," replied Cao Cao. "Sun Quan is the other. The rest do not count. We must take this chance to sweep the south clean." Then orders were issued to prepare an army of five hundred thousand troops, in five divisions of ten legions each. Each division had two leaders: Cao Ren and Cao Hong were in command of the first division; Zhang Liao and Zhang He, the second; Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan, the third; Yu Jin and Li Dian, the fourth. The fifth body was led by Cao Cao himself. The van was commanded by Xu Chu. The "horse" day of the seventh moon of the thirteenth year of Rebuilt Tranquillity was fixed for the march (AD 208). | |
| 3 | 蔡夫人议... : | 大中大夫孔融谏曰：“刘备、刘表皆汉室宗亲，不可轻伐。孙权虎踞六郡，且有大江之险，亦不易取。今丞相兴此无义之师，恐失天下之望。”操怒曰：“刘备、刘表、孙权皆逆命之臣，岂容不讨？”遂叱退孔融，下令如有再谏者必斩。孔融出府，仰天叹曰：“以至不仁伐至仁，安得不败乎！” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
The High Minister, Kong Rong, offered a remonstrance. He said, "Liu Bei and Liu Biao are both of the Imperial House and should not be attacked without grave reasons. Sun Quan in the six territories of the South Land is terrible as a crouching tiger and, with the Great River as his defense, he is very secure. If, Sir Prime Minister, you undertake this unjustifiable expedition, you will forfeit the respect of the world, I fear." "All three of them are disobedient ministers and rebels, and how can I fail to punish them?" replied Cao Cao. Cao Cao was angry, and bade the adviser go from his presence. Presently Cao Cao gave formal orders that he would put to death anyone who remonstrated on the subject of his expedition. Kong Rong went forth from the Palace sadly. Casting his eyes up to heaven, he cried, "Where is the chance of success when the perfectly inhumane attacks the perfectly humane? He must be defeated!" | |
| 4 | 蔡夫人议... : | 时御史大夫郗虑家客闻此言，报知郗虑。虑常被孔融侮慢，心正恨之，乃以此言入告曹操；且曰：“融平日每每狎侮丞相，又与祢衡相善。衡赞融曰：“仲尼不死。”融赞衡曰：“颜回复生。”向者祢衡之辱丞相，乃融使之也。”操大怒，遂命廷尉捕捉孔融。融有二子，年尚少，时方在家，对坐奕棋。左右急报曰：“尊君被廷尉执去，将斩矣。二公子何不急避？”二子曰：“覆巢之下，安有完卵乎？” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
One of the clients of the Imperial Inspector Chi Lu, whom Kong Rong had always treated contemptuously and disdainfully, happened to hear this apostrophe and told his patron who carried the tale to Cao Cao. Chi Lu also added to it, saying, "Kong Rong habitually speaks disrespectfully of the Chief Minister and has been very friendly with Mi Heng. In fact the insults that Mi Heng had hurled at you had been deliberately arranged and intrigued by Kong Rong. Kong Rong and Mi Heng seemed to admire each other hugely, and Mi Heng used to say, 'Confucius is not dead, because Kong Rong is he,' and the other used to reply, 'And his treasured disciple, Yan Hui, has risen again, because Mi Heng is he.'" Chi Lu's tale angered Cao Cao, who ordered the execution of the high minister. Now Kong Rong had two sons, both young, who were sitting at home playing chess, when one of their servants ran in and said, "Your father has just been carried off for execution. Why do you not run away?" The youths replied, "When the nest is pulled down, are the eggs left unbroken?" | |
| 5 | 蔡夫人议... : | 言未已，廷尉又至，尽收融家小并二子，皆斩之，号令融尸于市。京兆脂习伏尸而哭。操闻之，大怒，欲杀之。荀彧曰：“彧闻脂习常谏融曰：‘公刚直太过，乃取祸之道。’今融死而来哭，乃义人也，不可杀。”操乃止。习收融父子尸首，皆葬之。后人有诗赞孔融曰： |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Even at that moment the same executors came and carried off the whole household. The two youths were beheaded. The father's corpse was exposed in the streets. Minister Zhi Xi wept over the corpse. This public exhibition of sympathy rekindled Cao Cao's anger, and he was going to punish it with death. However, this additional punishment was prevented by Adviser Xun Yu, who said, "You should not slay a righteous man who came to mourn over his friend's corpse. Zhi Xi had often warned Kong Rong against the danger his severe rectitude might lead him into." Zhi Xi took up the remains of father and sons and buried them. | |
| 孔融居北海，豪气贯长虹。坐上客长满，樽中酒不空。文章惊世俗，谈笑侮王公。史笔褒忠直，存宜纪大中。 | ||
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Kong Rong, who dwelt on the north sea shore, A noble reputation bore; With him all guests warm welcome found, And ceaselessly the wine went round. For skill in letters he was famed, In speech, he dukes and princes shamed, Historians his merits tell, Recorders say that he did well. | ||
| 6 | 蔡夫人议... : | 曹操既杀孔融，传令五队军马次第起行，只留荀彧等守许昌。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: | After wreaking his wrath on Kong Rong, Cao Cao issued the order to march. Xun Yu was left in command of the capital. | |
| 7 | 蔡夫人议... : | 却说荆州刘表病重，使人请玄德来托孤。玄德引关、张至荆州见刘表。表曰：“我病已入膏肓，不久便死矣；特托孤于贤弟。我子无才，恐不能承父业。我死之后，贤弟可自领荆州。”玄德泣拜曰：“备当竭力以辅贤侄，安敢有他意乎？” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
About this time the Imperial Protector of Jingzhou became seriously ill, and he summoned Liu Bei to his chamber. Liu Bei went accompanied by his two brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, and Directing Instructor Zhuge Liang. Liu Biao said, "The disease has attacked my very vitals, and my time is short. I confide my orphans to your guardianship. My sons are unfit to succeed to my place, and I pray you, my brother, administer the region after my death." Liu Bei wept, saying, "I will do my utmost to help my nephews. What else could I do, indeed?" | |
| 8 | 蔡夫人议... : | 正说间，人报曹操自统大兵至。玄德急辞刘表，星夜回新野。刘表病中闻此信，吃惊不小，商议写遗嘱，令玄德辅佐长子刘琦为荆州之主。蔡夫人闻之大怒，关上内门，使蔡瑁、张允二人把住外门。时刘琦在江夏，知父病危，来至荆州探病。方到外门，蔡瑁当住曰：“公子奉父命镇守江夏，其任至重。今擅难职守，倘东吴兵至，如之奈何？若入见主公，主公必生嗔怒，病将转增，非孝也。宜速回。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Even at this moment came the news of the march of Cao Cao's armies, and Liu Bei, taking hasty leave of his kinsman, was forced to hurry to his station. The evil tidings aggravated the sick man's condition, and he began to make his last arrangements. In his testament he appointed Liu Bei the guardian of his son Liu Qi, who was to succeed in the lordship. This arrangement greatly angered his wife, Lady Cai. She closed the inner doors against all and confided to her own partisans, of whom Cai Mao and Zhang Yun were her confidants, the keeping of the outer gates. The heir was at Jiangxia, and he came to make filial inquiries as soon as his father's condition became serious. But Cai Mao refused him admittance and said, "Your father sent you to guard Jiangxia. Such a very responsible post should by no means have been quitted without orders. Suppose it was attacked, what might not happen? If your father sees you, he will be very angry, and it will make him worse. That would be most undutiful, and you should return to your command at once." | |
| 9 | 蔡夫人议... : | 刘琦立于门外，大哭一场，上马仍回江夏。刘表病势危笃，望刘琦不来；至八月戊申日，大叫数声而死。后人有诗叹刘表曰： |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: | Liu Qi stood out for some time, but admittance was denied him in spite of his tears. So he returned to his post. Meanwhile Liu Biao rapidly grew worse. He anxiously looked for his son, but Liu Qi came not. Suddenly Liu Biao uttered piercing shrieks and then passed away. | |
| 昔闻袁氏居河朔，又见刘君霸汉阳。总为牝晨致家累，可怜不久尽消亡。 | ||
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When the Yuans were lords of the north, And Liu Biao held the bank of the river, It seemed, so strong were they both, That they would endure forever. But the family affairs troubled their states, And, meddling, confusion made; It was mournful indeed to see How quickly the houses decayed. | ||
| 10 | 蔡夫人议... : | 刘表既死，蔡夫人与蔡瑁、张允，商议假写遗嘱，令次子刘琮为荆州之主，然后举哀报丧。时刘琮年方十四岁，颇聪明，乃聚众言曰：“吾父弃世，吾兄现在江夏，更有叔父玄德在新野。汝等立我为主，倘兄与叔父兴兵问罪，如何解释？” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
So Imperial Protector Liu Biao died. Then the widow and her partisans took counsel together and forged a testament conferring the lordship of Jingzhou on the second son Liu Zong before they published the news of the death. The wrongful heir was then fourteen years of age. But he was a cunning boy, so he assembled the officials and said, "My father has passed away, and my elder brother is at Jiangxia. More than that, our uncle is at Xinye. You have made me lord, but if my brother and uncle come here with an army to punish me for usurping the lordship, what explanation can I offer?" | |
| 11 | 蔡夫人议... : | 众官未及对，幕官李圭答曰：“公子之言甚善。今可急发哀书至江夏，请大公子为荆州之主；就命玄德一同理事。北可以敌曹操，南可以拒孙权，此万全之策也。”蔡瑁叱曰：“汝何人，敢乱言以逆主公遗命！”李圭大骂曰：“汝内外朋谋，假称遗命，废长立幼，眼见荆襄九郡，送于蔡氏之手！故主有灵，必当殛汝！” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
At first no one replied. Then Adviser Li Gui rose and said, "You speak well. Now hasten to send letters of mourning to your brother and ask him to come and take his inheritance. Also call upon Liu Bei to come and assist in the administration. Then shall we be safe against our enemies —-Cao Cao on the north and Sun Quan on the south. I consider this the most excellent plan." But Cai Mao replied harshly, "Who are you to speak thus wildly and oppose the testament of our late lord?" Li Gui began to abuse him, saying, "You and your party have fabricated this testament, setting aside the rightful heir. Now the whole region is in the hands of the Cai family. If our dead lord knew your doings, he would slay you!" | |
| 12 | 蔡夫人议... : | 蔡瑁大怒，喝令左右推出斩之，李圭至死大骂不绝。于是蔡瑁遂立刘琮为主。蔡氏宗族，分领荆州之兵；命治中邓义、别驾刘先守荆州。蔡夫人自与刘琮前赴襄阳驻扎，以防刘琦、刘备，就葬刘表之棺于襄阳城东汉阳之原，竟不讣告刘琦与玄德。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Cai Mao ordered the lictors to take Li Gui away to execution. He was hurried out, but his tongue ceased not. So the younger son was placed in his father's seat, and the Cai clan shared among them the whole military authority of the region. The defense of Jingzhou was confided to Liu Xin and Deng Yi, while Lady Cai and her son took up their residence in Xiangyang so as to be out of the reach of the rightful heir and his uncle. They interred the remains of the late Imperial Protector on the east of Xiangyang, near the bank of the Han River. No notice of the death was sent to Liu Qi, the son, or to Liu Bei, his uncle. | |
| 13 | 蔡夫人议... : | 刘琮至襄阳，方才歇马，忽报曹操引大军迳望襄阳而来。琮大惊，遂请蒯越，蔡瑁，等商议。东曹掾傅巽进言曰：“不特曹操兵来为可忧；今大公子在江夏，玄德在新野，我皆未往报丧，若彼兴兵问罪，荆、襄危矣。巽有一计，可使荆、襄之民，安如泰山，又可保全主公名爵。”琮曰：“计将安出？”巽曰：“不如将荆、襄九郡，献与曹操。操必重待主公也。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Liu Zong arrived at Xiangyang, but, before he had had time to recover from the fatigue of the journey, the startling news of the approach of Cao Cao's great army came in. He summoned Kuai Yue and Cai Mao and others to ask counsel. One of the secretaries, Fu Xuan, offered his advice, saying, "Not only are we threatened by a great army from the north, but the elder son, who is the real heir, at Jiangxia, and his uncle at Xinye, are to be reckoned with. These two have not been notified of the death, and they will resent that. We shall be in sad case if they also march against us. But if you will adopt my suggestion, then our people will be as steady as Taishan Mountains and our young lord's position and rank will be assured." "What is your plan?" asked the young lord. "To offer the whole region to Cao Cao, who will treat our young master most liberally." | |
| 14 | 蔡夫人议... : | 琮叱曰：“是何言也！孤受先君之基业，坐尚未稳，岂可便弃之他人？”蒯越曰：“傅公悌之言是也。夫逆顺有大体，强弱有定势。今曹操南征北讨，以朝廷为名，主公拒之，其名不顺。且主公新立，外患未宁，内忧将作。荆、襄之民，闻曹兵至，未战而胆先寒，安能与之敌哉？”琮曰：“诸公之言，非我不从；但以先君之业，一旦弃与他人，恐贻笑于天下耳。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
"What advice!" said Liu Zong angrily. "Am I to yield my heritage to another before I have even fairly succeeded to it?" "The advice is good," said Kuai Yue. "Opportunism is a policy, and possibilities need consideration. In the name of government, Cao Cao is fighting against his neighbors. If our lord opposes him, he will be termed contumacious. Beside, any misfortune on our borders before our young lord is well established will react upon the internal administration, and our people will be panic-stricken at the mere news of the approach of a hostile army. How could we then offer any resistance?" Liu Zong replied, "It is not that I disagree with you, but I should be a laughing stock to the whole world were I to abandon my heritage without an effort." | |
| 15 | 蔡夫人议... : | 言未已，一人昂然而进曰：“傅公悌、蒯异度之言甚善，何不从之？”众视之，乃山阳高平人，姓王，名粲，字仲宣。粲容貌廋弱，身材短小；幼时往见中郎蔡邕。时邕高朋满座，闻粲至，倒履迎之。宾客皆惊曰：“蔡中郎何独敬此小子耶？”邕曰：“此子有异才，吾不如也。”粲博闻强记，人皆不及；尝观道旁碑文一过，便能记诵；观人奕棋，棋局乱，粲复为摆出，不差一子。又善算术。其文词妙绝一时。年十七，辟为黄门侍郎，不就。后因避乱至荆襄，刘表以为上宾。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
He was interrupted by a speaker who said, "If their advice is good, why not follow it?" They turned toward the speaker who was a certain Wang Can of Shanyang, a lean, cadaverous individual much below the middle height of a man. However, his talents did not conform to his physical appearance. When he was yet a youth, he went to visit Minister Cai Yong, then a vice-chairman of the Secretariat; and although many guests of exalted rank were present, the host hastened to welcome the newcomer with the greatest deference. The others were astonished and asked why he was so respectful to a mere youth. "He is a young man with the highest gifts," said Cai Yong. Wang Can was widely read and had a most retentive memory, better than any of his contemporaries. If he glanced at a roadside monument as he passed, he remembered every word of the inscription. If he saw people playing chess and the board was suddenly overthrown, he could replace every pip in its proper place. He was a good mathematician and his poems were exquisite. At seventeen he was appointed a court official but did not take up the appointment. When the disturbance in the empire grew serious, he sought refuge in Jingzhou, where he was received with great honor as guest of the Imperial Protector. | |
| 16 | 蔡夫人议... : | 当日谓刘琮曰：“将军自料比曹公何如？”琮曰：“不如也。”粲曰：“曹公兵强将勇，足智多谋。擒吕布于下邳，摧袁绍于官渡，逐刘备于陇右，破乌桓于白狼：枭除荡定者，不可胜计。今以大军南下荆襄，势难抵敌。傅、蒯二君之谋，乃长策也。将军不可迟疑，致生后悔。”琮曰：“先生见教极是。但须禀告母亲知道。”只见蔡夫人从屏后转出，谓琮曰：“既是仲宣、公悌、异度三人所见相同，何必告我？” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
What he said was this, "General, how do you compare with Cao Cao?" "Inferior," replied Liu Zong. Wang Can continued, "Cao Cao has many soldiers and bold leaders. He is able and resourceful. He took Lu Bu at Xiapi and broke the power of Yuan Shao at Guandu. He pursued Liu Bei into Longyou and destroyed Mao Dun at White Wolf Hills. The destruction of such firmly established men shows his invincible character. Now he is on the way here, and it will be very difficult to withstand him. The plan proposed is the best you can expect, and you should not delay and hesitate till it is too late for ought but regret." "Worthy Sir, you indeed speak to the point. I must inform my mother," said the young ruler. But just then they saw his mother appear from behind a screen. She had been listening to all that was said. "Why refer to me when three such gentlemen coincide in their opinions?" said Lady Cai. | |
| 17 | 蔡夫人议... : | 于是刘琮意决，便写降书，令宋忠潜地往曹操军前投献。宋忠领命，直至宛城，接著曹操，献上降书。操大喜，重赏宋忠，分付教刘琮出城迎接，便著他永为荆州之主。宋忠拜辞曹操，取路回荆襄。将欲渡江，忽见一枝人马到来。视之，乃关云长也。宋忠回避不及，被云长唤住，细问荆州之事。忠初时隐讳；后被云长盘问不过，只得将前后事情，一一实告。云长大惊，随捉宋忠至新野见玄德，备言其事。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
So Liu Zong decided, and the letter of surrender was composed and entrusted to one Song Zhong to convey secretly to Cao Cao. Song Zhong went straight to Wancheng and presented the letter. It was received with joy, and the bearer well rewarded. The submission was accepted, and Cao Cao said, "Tell Liu Zong to go out to meet me in the open country, and he will be in perpetual tenure of his land." Song Zhong left the city and took the homeward way. He had nearly reached the ferry when he fell in with a party of horse. On a closer look he saw the leader was Guan Yu. The messenger tried to escape observation, but was presently captured and taken to the leader to be questioned. At first he prevaricated but on being closely questioned told the whole story. Then he was carried off to Xinye and made to retell his story to Liu Bei. | |
| 18 | 蔡夫人议... : | 玄德闻之大哭。张飞曰：“事已如此，可先斩宋忠，随起兵渡江，夺了襄阳，杀了蔡氏、刘琮，然后与曹操交战。”玄德曰：“你且缄口，我自有斟酌。”乃叱宋忠曰：“你知众人作事，何不早来报我？今虽斩汝，无益于事，可速去。”忠拜谢，抱头鼠窜而去。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Liu Bei who heard it with lamentations. Zhang Fei said, "This being so, I propose that we put this fellow to death, then cross the river, attack Xiangyang, and make an end of the Cai tribe and Liu Zong as well. Then we can attack Cao Cao." But Liu Bei replied, "Hold on. I have something more to say." Then turning to the prisoner, Liu Bei shouted, "When they did all this, why did you not come to tell me? As things are now, there is nothing to be gained by killing you. You may go." Song Zhong stammered his thanks, threw his arms over his head, and ran away. | |
| 19 | 蔡夫人议... : | 玄德正忧闷间，忽报公子刘琦差伊籍到来。玄德感伊籍昔日相救之恩，降阶迎之，再三称谢。籍曰：“大公子在江夏，闻荆州已故，蔡夫人与蔡瑁等商议，不来报丧，竟立刘琮为主。公子差人往襄阳探听，回说是实；恐使君不知，特差某赍哀书呈报，并求使君尽起麾下精兵，同往襄阳问罪。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Liu Bei was very sad. Presently Yi Ji from Jiangxia was announced. Liu Bei was very fond of this man and went down the steps to welcome him. Then said Yi Ji, "The heir has heard that his father is dead, but his stepmother and her family are keeping back the news so that they may set up Liu Zong. He knows the news is true, as he sent a special messenger to find out. He thinks you, O Prince, may not know and has sent me to inform you, and his letter begs you to lead all the troops you can to Xiangyang to help him assert his claims." | |
| 20 | 蔡夫人议... : | 玄德看书毕，谓伊籍曰：“机伯只知刘琮僭立，更不知刘琮已将荆襄九郡，献与曹操矣！”籍大惊曰：“使君何从知之？”玄德具言拿获宋忠之事。籍曰：“若如此，使君不如以吊丧为名，前赴襄阳，诱刘琮出迎，就便擒下，诛其党类，则荆州属使君矣。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Liu Bei opened and read the letter. Then he said, "Yes. You know that the younger son has usurped the lordship, but you have not heard that he has already sent to offer Jingzhou to Cao Cao." This news shocked Yi Ji, who asked, "How know you this?" Liu Bei told of the capture of Song Zhong. Yi Ji said, "You can go to Xiangyang as if to attend the mourning ceremonies and so draw Liu Zong into coming out of the city to welcome you. Then you can seize him, slay his party, and take the region." | |
| 21 | 蔡夫人议... : | 孔明曰：“机伯之言是也，主公可从之。”玄德垂泪曰：“吾兄临危托孤于我，今若执其子而夺其地，异日死于九泉之下，何面目复见吾兄乎？”孔明曰：“如不行此事，今曹兵已至宛城，何以拒敌？”玄德曰：“不如走樊城以避之。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
"Your advice is good," said Zhuge Liang, "and my lord ought to take it." Liu Bei wept, saying, "In his last interview, my brother confided his son and heir to my care. If I lay hands upon another son and seize upon the inheritance, how shall I be able to look my brother in the face when I meet him by and by beyond the grave?" "If you do not act in this way now, how will you repel Cao Cao, who has already reached Wancheng?" said Zhuge Liang. "Our best plan is to take refuge in Fancheng," replied Liu Bei. | |
| 22 | 蔡夫人议... : | 正商议间，探马飞报曹兵已到博望了。玄德慌忙发付伊籍回江夏，整顿军马，一面与孔明商议拒敌之计。孔明曰：“主公且宽心，前番一把火，烧了夏侯敦大半人马；今番曹军又来，必教他中这条计。我等在新野住不得了，不如早到樊城去。”便差人四门张榜，晓谕居民：“无论老幼男女，愿从者，即于今日皆跟我往樊城暂避，不可自误。”差孙乾往河边调拨船只，救济百姓；差糜竺护送各官家眷到樊城。一面聚诸将听令，先教云长引一千军去白河上流头埋伏：“各带布袋，多装沙土，遏住白河之水；至来日三更后，只听下流头人喊马嘶，急取起布袋，放水淹之，却顺水杀将下来接应。”又唤张飞引一千军去博陵渡口埋伏：“此处水势最慢，曹军被淹，必从此逃难，可便乘势杀来接应。”又唤赵云“引军三千，分为四队，自领一队伏于东门外，其三队分伏西、南、北三门，却先于城内人家屋上，多藏硫黄焰硝引火之物。曹军入城，必安歇民房。来日黄昏后，必有大风。但看风起，便令西、南、北三门伏军尽将火箭射入城去。待城中火势大作，却于城外呐喊助威，只留东门放他出走，汝却于东门外从后击之。天明会合关、张二将，收军回樊城。”再令糜芳、刘封二人，带二千军，一半红旗，一半青旗，去新野城外三十里鹊尾坡前屯住：“一见曹军到，红旗军走在左，青旗军走在右。他心疑必不敢追，汝二人却去分头埋伏。只望城中火起，便可追杀败兵，然后却来白河上流头接应。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Just about this time the spies came to say that Cao Cao's army had reached Bowang. So Yi Ji was sent off with instructions to take measures for the defense of Jiangxia, while Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang discussed plans for meeting the enemy. Zhuge Liang said, "My lord should not worry. We have burned the army of Cao Cao at Bowang Slope, so we will see them fallen into another ruse in Xinye. This is no place to live in. We will move over to Fancheng." Then notices were posted at all the gates that all the people, without any exception, were to follow their ruler at once to the new city to escape danger. Boats were prepared and the people sent away under the direction of Sun Qian. Mi Zhu saw to the safe conveyance of the families of the officials. Then the officers assembled for orders. Zhuge Liang gave directions, "Guan Yu is to go to the upper of the White River with one thousand troops. His men are to carry bags to fill with sand and earth to dam the river till the enemy shall be heard, about the third watch next day. Then the waters are to be freed to drown one of the armies. He is then to march down river. "Zhang Fei is to go to the Boling Ferry, where the current is slow. After the waters of the White River have been let loose on Cao Cao's soldiers, they will try to get over the river at the ferry. They are to be attacked by Zhang Fei and his one thousand troops. "Zhao Zilong is to divide three thousand troops into four parties and take one to the east gate. The other three are for the other gates. The roofs of the houses within the city walls are piled with sulfur, saltpeter, and other combustibles. The intention is to set fire to the city when the army of the enemy has entered it for shelter. There will be a strong breeze next day in the evening which will fan the flames. When this wind begins to blow, fire arrows are to be shot into the city from all sides. When the flames are high, there is to be a great shouting outside to add to the general terror. The east gate is to be left free for escape, but the flying men are to be smitten after passing the gate. "Mi Fang and Liu Feng are to take command of two thousand troops, one half with red flags and the other half with blue. They are to go to Magpie Tail Slope, about ten miles from the city and camp. When they see Cao Cao's army coming along, the red flags are to move left and the blue right to confuse the enemy so that they shall be afraid to advance further. Then an ambush is to be laid to smite the enemy when the fire in Xinye starts. After that Mi Fang and Liu Feng are to go to the river to meet us. "After the battle, all generals shall gather at Fancheng." | |
| 23 | 蔡夫人议... : | 孔明分拨已定，乃与玄德登高了望，只候捷音。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: | All the orders given, the various leaders went their way to take up their positions and await the burning of the city. Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei went away to an eminence whence they could watch what happened and where they would await the reports of victory. | |
| 24 | 蔡夫人议... : | 却说曹仁、曹洪引军十万为前队，前面已有许褚引三千铁甲军开路，浩浩荡荡，杀奔新野来。是日午牌时分，来到鹊尾坡，望见坡前一簇人马，尽打青红旗号。许褚催军向前，刘封、糜芳分为四队，青、红旗各归左右。许褚勒马，教：“且休进，前面必有伏兵，我兵只在此处住下。”许褚一骑马飞报前队曹仁。曹仁曰：“此是疑兵，必无埋伏。可速进兵。我当催军继至。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Cao Hong and Cao Ren, with their one hundred thousand troops, preceded by Xu Chu leading three thousand of mailed men, marched toward Xinye. They formed a mighty host and reached Magpie Tail Slope about noon. Looking ahead, they saw what seemed a goodly army with many blue and red flags. Xu Chu pressed forward. As he neared, the flags moved from side to side, and he hesitated. He began to think, "It could be an ambush. It is unwise to advance." Finally Xu Chu decided to go no farther and called a halt, and he rode back to the main body to see Cao Ren. "Those troops are only make-believe," said Cao Ren. "Advance, there is no ambush. I will hasten up the supports." | |
| 25 | 蔡夫人议... : | 许褚复回坡前，提兵杀入。至林下追寻时，不见一人。时日已坠西，许褚方欲前进，只听得山上大吹大擂。抬头看时，只见山顶上一簇旗，旗丛中两把伞盖，左玄德，右孔明，二人对坐饮酒。许褚大怒，引军寻路上山。山上擂木炮石打将下来，不能前进。又闻山后喊声大震，欲寻路厮杀，天色已晚。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
So Xu Chu rode to his own command again and advanced. When he reached the wood where he had seen the flags, he saw no one at all. It was then late in the afternoon but he decided to move on. Then he heard from the hills the sound of musical instruments and, looking up, saw on the hill top two umbrellas surrounded by many banners. There sat Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang quietly drinking. Angry at their coolness, Xu Chu sought for a way up, but logs of wood and great stones were thrown down, and he was driven back. Further, from the rear of the hills came a confused roar. He could find no way to attack, and the sun began to set. | |
| 26 | 蔡夫人议... : | 曹仁领兵到，教且夺新野城歇马。军士至城下时，只见四门大开。曹兵突入，并无阻当。城中亦不见一人，竟是一座空城了。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: | Then Cao Ren and Cao Hong arrived and ordered an attack on Xinye that he might have a place to rest in. They marched to the walls and found the gates wide open. They entered and found a deserted city. No one was visible. | |
| 27 | 蔡夫人议... : | 曹洪曰：“此是势孤计穷，故尽带百姓逃窜去了。我军权且在城安歇，来日平明进兵。”此时各军走乏，都已饥饿，皆去寻房造饭。曹仁、曹洪，就在衙内安歇。初更已后，狂风大作。守门军士飞报火起。曹仁曰：“此必军士造饭不小心，遗漏之火，不可自惊。” |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
"This shows they are done," said Cao Hong. "They have all run away, people and all. We may as well occupy the city and rest our soldiers ready for tomorrow." The soldiers were fatigued with marching and hungry as well, so they lost no time in scattering among the houses and setting about preparing food in the deserted kitchens. The leaders took up their quarters in the state residence to rest. After the first watch the wind began to blow. Soon after the gate guards reported that a fire had started. "The careless men have let sparks fly about," said Cao Ren. | |
| 28 | 蔡夫人议... : | 说犹未了，接连几次飞报，西、南、北三门皆火起。曹仁急令众将上马时，满县火起，上下通红。是夜之火，更胜前日博望烧屯之火。后人有诗叹曰： |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: | He thought no more about it just then, but along came other reports of like nature, and soon he realized that fires breaking out in all quarters were not due to accident. So he gave orders to evacuate the city. Soon the whole city seemed on fire, and a red glow hung in the sky. The army was beset with fire fiercer than what Xiahou Dun had experienced at Bowang Slope. | |
| 奸雄曹操守中原，九月南征到汉川。风伯怒临新野县，祝融飞下焰摩天。 | ||
|
Thrice wicked was Cao Cao, but he was bold; Though all in the capital he controlled, Yet with this he was not content, So southward his ravaging army went. But, the autumn wind aiding, the Spirit of Fire Wrought to his army destruction dire. | ||
| 29 | 蔡夫人议... : | 曹仁引众将突烟冒火，寻路奔走，闻说东门无火，急急奔出东门。军士自相践踏，死者无数。曹仁等方才脱得火厄，背后一声喊起，赵云引军赶来混战，败军各逃性命，谁肯回身厮杀。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Officers and troops dashing through the smoke and fire in utter confusion sought some way of escape, and hearing that the east gate was free, they made for that quarter. Out they rushed pell-mell, many being trodden down and trampled to death. Those who got through took the road to the east. But presently there was a shouting behind them, and Zhao Zilong's company came up and attacked. Then Cao Cao's troops scattered, each fleeing for his life. No stand was made. | |
| 30 | 蔡夫人议... : | 正奔走间，糜芳引一军至。又冲杀一阵，曹仁大败，夺路而走，刘封又引一军截杀一阵。到四更时分，人困马乏，军士大半焦头烂额。奔至白河边，喜得河水不甚深，人马都下河吃水。人相喧嚷，马尽嘶鸣。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
A little later Mi Fang and Liu Feng came to take another toll. The fleeing Cao Ren then had very few followers, and those left him were scorched and burned. They directed their way to the White River, joyfully remembering that the river was shallow and fordable. And they went down into the stream and drank their fill, humans shouting and horses neighing. | |
| 31 | 蔡夫人议... : | 却说云长在上流用布袋遏住河水。黄昏时分，望见新野火起，至四更，忽听得下流头人喊马嘶，急令军士一齐掣起布袋，水势滔天，望下流冲去，曹军人马俱溺于水中，死者极多。曹仁引众将望水势慢处夺路而走。行到博陵渡口，只听喊声大起，一军拦路，当先大将，乃张飞也，大叫：“曹贼快来纳命！”曹军大惊。正是：城内才看红焰吐，水边又遇黑风来。未知曹仁性命如何，且看下文分解。 |
| Lady Cai Renounces Jingzhou;...: |
Meantime Guan Yu, higher up its course, had dammed the river with sandbags so that its waters were collected in a lake. Toward evening he had seen the red glow of the burning city and began to look out for his signal. About the fourth watch, he heard down stream the sounds of soldiers and horse and at once ordered the breaking of the dam. The water rushed down in a torrent and overwhelmed the men just then in the bed of the river. Many were swept away and drowned. Those who escaped made their way to where the stream ran gently and got away. Presently Cao Ren and his troops reached the Boling Ferry. Here, where they thought there would be safety, they found the road barred. "You Cao Cao brigands!" shouted Zhang Fei. "Come and receive your fate!" Within the city the red flame leaps out; On the river bank burning anger is met. What happened will appear in later chapters. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch40