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-> -> -> On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire

《七星壇諸葛祭風,三江口周瑜縱火 - On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge Liang Sacrifices To The Winds; At Three Gorges, Zhou Yu Liberates The Fire》

1 七星壇諸... :
卻說周瑜立於山頂,觀望良久,忽然望後而倒,口吐鮮血,不省人事。左右救回帳中。諸將皆來動問,盡皆愕然,相顧曰:「江北百萬之眾,虎踞鯨吞。不料都督如此,倘曹兵一至,,如之奈何?」慌忙差人申報吳侯,一面求醫調治。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
In the last chapter Zhou Yu was seized with sudden illness as he watched the fleets of his enemy. He was borne to his tent, and his officers came in multitudes to inquire after him.
They looked at each other, saying, "What a pity our general should be taken ill, when Cao Cao's legions threaten so terribly! What would happen if Cao Cao attacked?"
Messengers with the evil tidings were sent to Sun Quan, while the physicians did their best for the invalid.

2 七星壇諸... :
卻說魯肅見周瑜臥病,心中憂悶,來見孔明,言周瑜猝病之事。孔明曰:「公以為何如!」肅曰:「此乃曹操之福,江東之禍也。」孔明笑曰:「公瑾之病,亮亦能醫。」肅曰:「誠如此,則國家幸甚!」即請孔明同去看病。肅先入見周瑜。瑜以被蒙頭而臥。肅曰:「都督病勢若何?」周瑜曰:「心腹攪痛,時復昏迷。」肅曰:「曾服何藥餌?」瑜曰:「心中嘔逆,藥不能下。」肅曰:「適來去望孔明,言能醫都督之病。現在帳外,煩來醫治,何如?」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Lu Su was particularly sad at the illness of his patron and went to see Zhuge Liang to talk it over.
"What do you make of it?" said Zhuge Liang.
"Good luck for Cao Cao; bad for us," said Lu Su.
"I could cure him," said Zhuge Liang laughing.
"If you could, Wu would be very fortunate," said Lu Su.
Lu Su prayed Zhuge Liang to go to see the sick man. They went, and Lu Su entered first. Zhou Yu lay in bed, his head covered by a quilt.
"How are you, General?" said Lu Su.
"My heart pains me. Every now and again I feel faint and dizzy."
"Have you taken any remedies?"
"My gorge rises at the thought. I could not."
"I saw Zhuge Liang just now, and he says he could heal you. He is just outside, and I will call him if you like."

3 七星壇諸... :
瑜命請入,教左右扶起,坐於床上。孔明曰:「連不晤君顏,何期貴體不安!」瑜曰:「『人有旦夕禍福』,豈能自保?」孔明笑曰:「『天有不測風雲』,人又豈能料乎?」瑜聞失色,乃作呻吟之聲。孔明曰:「都督心中似覺煩積否?」瑜曰:「然。」孔明曰:「必須用涼藥以解之。」瑜曰:「已服涼藥,全然無效。」孔明曰:「須先理其氣;氣若順,則呼吸之間,自然痊可。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
"Ask him to come in."
Zhou Yu bade his servants help him to a sitting position, and Zhuge Liang entered.
"I have not seen you for days," said Zhuge Liang. "How could I guess that you were unwell?"
"How can anyone feel secure? We are constantly the playthings of luck, good or bad."
"Yes. Heaven's winds and clouds are not to be measured. No one can reckon their comings and goings, can they?"
Zhou Yu turned pale and a low groan escaped him, while his visitor went on, "You feel depressed, do you not? As though troubles were piling up in your heart?"
"That is exactly how I feel," said Zhou Yu.
"You need cooling medicine to dissipate this sense of oppression."
"I have taken a cooling draught, but it has done no good."
"You must get the humors into good order before the drugs will have any effect."

4 七星壇諸... :
瑜料孔明必知其意,乃以言挑之曰:「欲得順氣,當服何藥?」孔明笑曰:「亮有一方,便教都督氣順。」瑜曰:「願先生賜教。」孔明索紙筆,屏退左右,密書十六字曰:「欲破曹公,宜用火攻;萬事俱備,只欠東風。」寫畢,遞與周瑜曰:「此都督病源也。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu began to think Zhuge Liang knew what was really the matter and resolved to test him.
"What should be taken to produce a favorable temper?" said Zhou Yu.
"I know one means of producing a favorable temper," replied Zhuge Liang.
"I wish you would tell me."
Zhuge Liang got out writing materials, sent away the servants, and then wrote a few words:
"To defeat Cao Cao
You have to use fire;
All are in your wish,
But wind from the east."
This he gave to the sick general, saying, "That is the origin of your illness.

5 七星壇諸... :
瑜見了大驚,暗思:「孔明真神人也!早已知我心事!只索以實情告之。」乃笑曰:「先生已知我病源,將用何藥治之?事在危急,望即賜教。」孔明曰:「亮雖不才,曾遇異人,傳授奇門遁甲天書,可以呼風喚雨。都督若要東南風時,可於南屏山建一臺,名曰『七星壇』。高九尺,作三層,用一百二十人,手執旗旛圍遶。亮於臺上作法,借三日三夜東南大風,助都督用兵,何如?」瑜曰:「休道三日三夜,只一夜大風,大事可成矣。只是事在目前,不可遲緩。」孔明曰:「十一月二十日甲子祭風,至二十二日丙寅風息,如何?」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu read the words with great surprise, and it confirmed his secret opinion that Zhuge Liang really was rather more than human. He decided that the only course was to be open and tell him all.
So he said, "Since you know the cause of the disease, what do you recommend as treatment? The need of a remedy is very urgent."
"I have no great talent," said Zhuge Liang, "but I have had to do with humans of no ordinary gifts from whom I have received certain magical books called 'Concealing Method'. I can call the winds and summon the rains. Since you need a southeast breeze, General, you must build an altar on the Southern Hills, the Altar of the Seven Stars. It must be nine spans high, with three steps, surrounded by a guard of one hundred and twenty humans bearing flags. On this altar I will work a spell to procure a strong southeast gale for three days and three nights. Do you approve?"
"Never mind three whole days," said Zhou Yu. "One day of strong wind will serve my purpose. But it must be done at once and without delay."
"I will sacrifice for a wind for three days from the twentieth day of the moon. Will that suit you?"

6 七星壇諸... :
瑜聞言大喜,矍然而起。便傳令差五百精壯軍士,往南屏山築壇;撥一百二十人,執旗守壇,聽候使令。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu was delighted and hastily rose from his couch to give the necessary orders. He commanded that five hundred men should be sent to the mountains to build the altar, and he told off the guard of one hundred and twenty to bear the flags and be at the orders of Zhuge Liang.

7 七星壇諸... :
孔明辭別出帳,與魯肅上馬,來南屏山相度地勢,令軍士取東南方赤土築壇。方圓二十四丈,每一層高三尺,共是九尺。下一層插二十八宿旗:東方七面青旗,按角,亢,氐,房,心,尾,箕,布蒼龍之形;北方七面皂旗,按斗,牛,女,虛,危,室,壁,作玄武之勢:西方七面白旗,按奎,婁,冑,昴,畢,觜,參,踞白虎之威;南方七面紅旗,按井,鬼,柳,星,張,翼,軫,成朱雀之狀。第二層周圍黃旗六十四面,按六十四卦,分八位而立。上一層用四人,各人戴束髮冠,穿皂羅袍,鳳衣博帶,朱履方裾,前左立一人,手執長竿,竿尖上用雞羽為葆,以招風信;前右立一人,手執長竿,竿上繫七星號帶,以表風色;後左立一人,捧寶劍;後右立一人,捧香爐。壇下二十四人,各持旌旗,寶蓋,大戟,長戈,黃旄,白銊,朱旛,皂縣,環遶四面。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhuge Liang took his leave, went forth, and rode off with Lu Su to the mountains where they measured out the ground. He bade the soldiers build the altar of red earth from the southeast quarter. It was two hundred and forty spans in circuit, square in shape, and of three tiers, each of three spans, in all nine spans high.
On the lowest tier he placed the flags of the twenty-eight "houses" of the heavens and four constellations: On the east seven, with blue flags; on the north seven, with black flags; on the west seven, with white flags; and on the south seven, with red flags.
Around the second tier he placed sixty-four yellow flags, corresponding to the number of the diagrams of the Book of Divination, in eight groups of eight.
Four men were stationed on the highest platform, each wearing a Daoist headdress and a black silk robe embroidered with the phoenix and confined with wide sashes. They wore scarlet boots and square-cut skirts. On the left front stood a man supporting a tall pole bearing at its top a plume of light feathers to show by their least movement the wind's first breathing. On the right front was a man holding a tall pole whereon was a flag with the symbol of the seven stars to show the direction and force of the wind. On the left rear stood a man with a sword, and on the right rear a man with a censer.
Below the altar were forty-four men holding flags, umbrellas, spears, lances, yellow banners, white axes, red banderoles, and black ensigns. And these were spaced about the altar.

8 七星壇諸... :
孔明於十一月二十日甲子吉辰,沐浴齋戒,身披道衣,跣足散髮,來到壇前,分付魯肅曰:「子敬自往軍中相助公瑾調兵。倘亮所祈無應,不可有怪。」魯肅別去。孔明囑付守壇將士:「不許擅離方。不許交頭接耳。不許失口亂言。不許失驚打怪。如違令者斬。」眾皆領命。孔明緩步登壇,觀瞻方位已定,焚香於爐,注水於盂,仰天暗祝。下壇入帳中少歇,令軍士更替吃飯。孔明一日上壇三次,下壇三次,──卻不見有東南風。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
On the appointed day Zhuge Liang, having chosen a propitious moment, bathed his body and purified himself. Then he robed himself as a Daoist, loosened his locks, and approached the altar.
He bade Lu Su retire, saying, "Return to the camp and assist the General in setting out his forces. Should my prayers avail not, do not wonder."
So Lu Su left him. Then Zhuge Liang commanded the guards on no account to absent themselves, to maintain strict silence, and to be reverent. Death would be the penalty of disobedience.
Next, with solemn steps he ascended the altar, faced the proper quarter, lighted the incense, and sprinkled the water in the basins. This done he gazed into the heavens and prayed silently. The prayer ended he descended and returned to his tent. After a brief rest he allowed the soldiers by turns to go away to eat.
Thrice that day he ascended the altar and thrice descended, but there was no sign of the wind.

9 七星壇諸... :
且說周瑜請程普,魯肅一班軍官,在帳中伺侯,只等東南風起,便調兵出;一面關報孫權接應。黃蓋已自準備火船二十隻,船頭密布大釘;船內裝載蘆葦乾柴,灌以魚油,上鋪硫黃燄硝引火之物,各用青布油單遮蓋;船頭上插青龍牙旗,船尾各繫走舸。在帳下聽侯,只等周瑜號令。甘寧,闞澤窩盤蔡和,蔡中,在外寨中,每日飲酒,不放一卒登岸。周圍盡是東吳軍馬,把得水洩不通。只等帳上號令下來。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
During that time, Zhou Yu, with Cheng Pu and Lu Su and other military officials on duty, sat waiting in the tent till the wished-for wind should blow and the attack could be launched. Messengers were also sent to Sun Quan to prepare to support the forward movement.
Huang Gai had his fire ships ready, twenty of them. The fore parts of the ships were thickly studded with large nails, and they were loaded with dry reeds, wood soaked in fish oil, and covered with sulfur, saltpeter, and other inflammables. The ships were covered in with black oiled cloth. In the prow of each was a black dragon flag with indentations. A fighting ship was attached to the stern of each to propel it forward. All were ready and awaited orders to move.
Meanwhile Cao Cao's two spies, Cai He and Cai Zhong, were being guarded carefully in an outer camp far from the river bank and daily entertained with feasting. They were not allowed to know of the preparations. The watch was so close that not a trickle of information reached the prisoners.

10 七星壇諸... :
周瑜正在帳中坐議,探子來報:「吳侯船隻離寨八十五里停泊,只等都督好音。」瑜即差魯肅遍告各部下官兵將士:「俱各收拾船隻軍器帆櫓等物。號令一出,時刻休違。倘有違誤,即按軍法。」眾兵將得令,一個個磨拳擦掌,準備廝殺。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Presently, while Zhou Yu was anxiously awaiting in his tent for the desired wind, a messenger came to say that Sun Quan had anchored at a place thirty miles from the camp, where he awaited news from the Commander-in-Chief.
Lu Su was sent to warn all the various commanders to be ready, the ships and their weapons, sails and oars, all for instant use, and to impress upon them the penalties of being caught unprepared. The soldiers were indeed ready for the fight and yearning for the fray.

11 七星壇諸... :
是日看看近夜,天色清明,微風不動。瑜謂魯肅曰:「孔明之言謬矣。隆冬之時,怎得東南風乎?」肅曰:「吾料孔明必不謬談。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
But the sky remained obstinately clear, and as night drew nigh no breath of air stirred.
"We have been cajoled," said Zhou Yu. "Indeed what possibility is there of a southeast wind in midwinter?"
"Zhuge Liang would not use vain and deceitful words," replied Lu Su.

12 七星壇諸... :
將近三更時分,忽聽風聲響,旗旛轉動。瑜出帳看時時,旗腳竟飄西北,霎時間東南風大起。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Towards the third watch, the sound of a movement arose in the air. Soon the flags fluttered out. And when the Commander-in-Chief went out to make sure, he saw they were flowing toward the northwest. In a very short time the southeast wind was in full force.

13 七星壇諸... :
瑜駭然曰:「此人有奪天地造化之法,鬼神不測之術!若留此人,乃東吳禍根也。及早殺卻,免生他日之憂。」急喚帳前護軍校尉丁奉,徐盛二將:「各帶一百人。徐盛從江內去,丁奉從旱路去,都到南屏山七星壇前。休問長短,拏住諸葛亮便行斬首,將首級來請功。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Zhou Yu was, however, frightened at the power of the man whose help he had invoked.
He said, "Really the man has power over the heavens and authority over the earth. His methods are incalculable, beyond the ken of god or devil. He cannot be allowed to live to be a danger to our land of the south. We must slay him soon to fend off later evils."
So Zhou Yu resolved to commit a crime to remove his dangerous rival.
He called two of the generals of his guard, Ding Feng and Xu Sheng, and said to them, "Each of you take a party of one hundred troops, one along the river, the other along the road, to the altar on the mountains. As soon as you get there, without asking questions or giving reasons, you are to seize and behead Zhuge Liang. Rich reward will be given when you bring his head back."

14 七星壇諸... :
二將領命,徐盛下船,一百刀斧手,蕩開棹槳;丁奉上馬,一百弓拏手,各跨征駒,往南屏山來。於路正迎著東南風起。後人有詩曰:七星壇上臥龍登,一夜東風江水騰,不是孔明施妙計,周郎安得逞才能?
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Xu Sheng and Ding Feng went off on their errand, the former leading dagger and ax-men going as fast as oars could propel them along the river, the latter at the head of archers and bowmen on horseback. The southeast wind buffeted them as they went on their way.
High was raised the Seven Stars Altar,
On it prayed the Sleeping Dragon
For an eastern wind, and straightway
Blew the wind. Had not the wizard
Exercised his mighty magic
Nought had Zhou Yu's skill availed.

15 七星壇諸... :
丁奉馬軍先到,見壇上執旗將士,當風而立。丁奉下馬提劍上壇,不見孔明,慌問守壇將士。答曰:「恰纔下壇去了。」丁奉忙下壇尋時,徐盛船已到。二人聚於江邊。小卒報曰:「昨晚一隻快船停在前灘口,適間卻見孔明披髮下船。那船望上水去了。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Ding Feng first arrived. He saw the guards with their flags, dropped off his steed, and marched to the altar, sword in hand. But he found no Zhuge Liang. When he asked the guards, they told him, saying, "He has just gone down."
Ding Feng ran down the hill to search. There he met his fellow Xu Sheng, and they joined forces.
Presently a simple soldier told them, saying, "The evening before a small, fast boat anchored there near a sand spit, and Zhuge Liang was seen to go on board. Then the boat went up river."

16 七星壇諸... :
丁奉,徐盛,便分水陸兩路追襲。徐盛教拽起滿帆,搶風而使。遙望前船不遠,徐盛在船頭高聲大叫:「軍師休去!都督有請!」只見孔明立於船尾大笑曰:「上覆都督:好好用兵。諸葛亮暫回夏口,異日再容相見。」徐盛曰:「請暫少住。有緊話說。」孔明曰:「吾已料定都督不能容我,必來加害,預先教趙子龍來相接。將軍不必追趕!」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
So Xu Sheng and Ding Feng divided their party into two, one to go by water, the other by land.
Xu Sheng bade his boatmen put on all sail and take every advantage of the wind. Before very long he saw the fugitive's boat ahead, and when near enough, stood in the prow of his own and shouted, "Do not flee, O Instructor of the Army! The General requests your presence."
Zhuge Liang, who was seated in the stern of his boat, just laughed aloud, saying, "Return and tell the General to make good use of his soldiers. Tell him I am going up river for a spell and will see him again another day."
"Pray wait a little while," cried Xu Sheng. "I have something most important to tell you!"
"I knew all about it, that Zhou Yu would not let me go and that he wanted to kill me. That is why Zhao Zilong was waiting for me. You had better not approach nearer."

17 七星壇諸... :
徐盛見前船無篷,只顧趕去。看看至近,趙雲拈弓搭箭,立於船尾大叫曰:「吾乃常山趙子龍也!奉令特來接軍師。你如何來追趕?本待一箭射死你來,顯得失了兩家和氣教你知我手段!」言迄,箭到處,射斷徐盛船上篷索。那篷墮落下水,其船便橫。趙雲卻教自己船上拽起滿帆,乘順風而去。其船如飛,追之不及。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Seeing the other ship had no sail, Xu Sheng thought he would assuredly come up with it and so maintained the pursuit.
Then when he got too close, Zhao Zilong fitted an arrow to the bowstring and, standing up in the stern of his boat, cried, "You know who I am, and I came expressly to escort the Directing Instructor. Why are you pursuing him? One arrow would kill you, only that would cause a breach of the peace between two houses. I will shoot and just give you a specimen of my skill."
With that he shot, and the arrow whizzed overhead cutting the rope that held up the sail. Down came the sail trailing in the water and the boat swung round. Then Zhao Zilong's boat hoisted its sail, and the fair wind speedily carried it out of sight.

18 七星壇諸... :
岸上丁奉喚徐盛船近岸,言曰:「諸葛亮神機妙算,人不可及。更兼趙雲有萬夫不當之勇。汝知他當陽長阪時否?吾等只索回報便了。」於是二人回見周瑜,言孔明預先約趙雲迎接去了。周瑜大驚曰:「此人如此多謀,使我曉夜不安矣!」魯肅曰:「且待破曹之後,卻再圖之。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
On the bank stood Ding Feng. He bade his comrade come to the shore and said, "Zhuge Liang is too clever for anyone; and Zhao Zilong is bravest of the brave. You remember what he did at Dangyang, at the Long Slope Bridge. All we can do is to return and report."
So they returned to camp and told their master about the preparations that Zhuge Liang had made to ensure safety. Zhou Yu was indeed puzzled at the depth of his rival's insight.
"I shall have no peace day or night while he lives," said Zhou Yu.
"At least wait till Cao Cao is done with," said Lu Su.

19 七星壇諸... :
瑜從其言,喚集諸將聽令。先教甘寧帶了蔡中並降卒沿南岸而走:「只打北軍旗號,直取烏林地面,正當曹操屯糧之所。深入軍中,舉火為號。只留下蔡和一人在帳下,我有用處。」第二喚太史慈分付:「你可領三千兵,直奔黃州地界,斷曹操合淝接應之兵,就逼曹兵,放火為處。只看紅旗,便是吳侯接應兵到。」這兩隊兵最遠先發。第三喚呂蒙領三千兵去烏林接應,甘寧焚燒曹操寨柵。第四喚凌統領三千兵,直接彝陵界首,只看烏林火起,以兵應之。第五喚董襲領三千兵,直取漢陽;從漢川殺奔曹操寨中,看白旗接應。第六喚潘璋領三千兵,盡打白旗往漢陽接應董襲。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
And Zhou Yu knew Lu Su spoke wisely.
Having summoned the leaders to receive orders, first Zhou Yu gave orders to Gan Ning: "Take with you the false deserter Cai Zhong and his soldiers, and go along the south bank, showing the flags of Cao Cao, till you reach the Black Forest just opposite the enemy's main store of grain and forage. Then you are to penetrate as deeply as possible into the enemy's lines and light a torch as a signal. Cai He is to be kept in camp for another purpose."
The next order was: "Taishi Ci is to lead two thousand troops as quickly as possible to Huangzhou and cut the enemy's communications with Hefei. When near the enemy, he is to give a signal. If he sees a red flag, he will know that our lord, Sun Quan, is at hand with reinforcements."
Gan Ning and Taishi Ci had the farthest to go and started first.
Then Lu Meng was sent into the Black Forest with three thousand troops as a support to Gan Ning who was ordered to set fire to Cao Cao's depot. A fourth party of three thousand troops was led by Ling Tong to the borders of Yiling and attack as soon as the signal from the forest was seen. A fifth party of three thousand under Dong Xi went to Hanyang to fall upon the enemy along the River Han. Their signal was a white flag; and a sixth division of three thousand commanded by Pan Zhang would support them.

20 七星壇諸... :
六隊軍馬各自分路去了。卻令黃蓋安排火船,使小卒馳書約曹操令夜來降。一面撥戰船四隻,隨於黃蓋船後接應。第一隊領兵軍官韓當,第二隊領兵軍官周泰,第三隊領兵軍官蔣欽,第四隊領兵軍官陳武:四隊各引戰船三百隻,前面各擺列火船二十隻。周瑜自與程普在大艨艟上督戰,徐盛,丁奉為左右護衛,只留魯肅共闞澤及眾謀士守寨。程普見周瑜調軍有法,甚相敬服。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
When these six parties had gone off. Huang Gai got ready his fire ships and sent a soldier with a note to tell Cao Cao that he was coming over that evening. Four naval squadrons were told off to support Huang Gai.
The four squadrons, each of three hundred ships, were placed under four commanders: Han Dang, Zhou Tai, Jiang Qin, and Chen Wu. Twenty fire ships preceded each fleet. Zhou Yu and Cheng Pu went on board one of the large ships to direct the battle. Their guards were Ding Feng and Xu Sheng. Lu Su, Kan Ze, and the advisers were left to guard the camp. Cheng Pu was greatly impressed with Zhou Yu's ordering of the grand attack.

21 七星壇諸... :
卻說孫權差使命持兵符至,說已差陸遜為先鋒,直抵蔪黃地面進兵,吳侯自為後應。瑜又差人西山放火,南屏山舉旗號。各各準備停當,只等黃昏舉動。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then came a messenger bearing a mandate from Sun Quan making Lu Xun Leader of the Van. He was ordered to go to Qichun. Sun Quan himself would support Lu Xun. Zhou Yu also sent two command units, one to the Western Hills to make fire signals, and the other to the Southern Hills to hoist flags.
So all being prepared they waited for dusk.

22 七星壇諸... :
話分兩頭:且說劉玄德在夏口專候孔明回來,忽見一隊船到,乃是公子劉琦自探聽消息。玄德請上敵樓坐定,說:「東南風起多時,子龍去接孔明,至今不見到,吾心甚憂。」小校遙指樊口港上:「一帆風送扁舟來到,必軍師也。」玄德與劉琦下樓迎接。須臾到,孔明,子龍登岸。玄德大喜。問候畢,孔明曰:「且無暇告訴別事。前者所約軍馬戰船,皆已辦否?」玄德曰:「收拾久矣,只候軍師調用。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Liu Bei was at Xiakou anxiously awaiting the return of his adviser. Then appeared a fleet, led by Liu Qi, who had come to find out how matters were progressing.
Liu Bei sent to call him to the battle tower and said, "The southeast wind had begun to blow, and that Zhao Zilong had gone to meet Zhuge Liang."
Not long after a single sail was seen coming up before the wind, and Liu Bei knew it was Zhuge Liang, the Directing Instructor of the Army. So Liu Bei and Liu Qi went down to meet the boat. Soon the vessel reached the shore, and Zhuge Liang and Zhao Zilong disembarked.
Liu Bei was very glad, and after they had inquired after each other's well-being, Zhuge Liang said, "There is no time to tell of any other things now. Are the soldiers and ships ready?"
"They have long been ready," replied Liu Bei. "They only await you to direct how they are to be used."

23 七星壇諸... :
孔明便與玄德,劉琦升帳坐定,謂趙雲曰:「子龍可帶三千軍馬,渡江逕取烏林小路,揀樹木蘆葦密處埋伏。今夜四更已後,曹操必然從那條路奔走。等他軍馬過。就半中間放起火來。雖然不殺他盡絕,也殺一半。」雲曰:「烏林有兩條路:一條通南郡,一條取荊州。不知向那條路來?」孔明曰:「南郡勢迫,曹操不敢往,必來荊州,然後大軍投許昌而去。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The three then went to the tent and took their seats. Zhuge Liang at once began to issue orders: "Zhao Zilong, with three thousand troops is to cross the river and go to the Black Forest by the minor road. He will choose a dense jungle and prepare an ambush. Tonight, after the fourth watch, Cao Cao will hurry along that way. When half his troops have passed, the jungle is to be fired. Cao Cao will not be wholly destroyed but many will perish."
"There are two roads," said Zhao Zilong. "One leads to the southern regions and the other to Jingzhou. I do not know by which he will come."
"The south road is too dangerous. Cao Cao will certainly pass along the Jingzhou road, so that he may get away to Xuchang."

24 七星壇諸... :
雲領計去了。又喚張飛曰:「翼德可領三千兵渡江,截斷彝陵這條路,去葫蘆谷口埋伏。曹操不敢走南彝陵,必望北彝陵去。來日雨過,必然來埋鍋造飯。只看煙起,便就山邊放起火來。雖然不捉得曹操,翼德這場功料也不小。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then Zhao Zilong went away.
Next Zhuge Liang said to Zhang Fei, "You will take three thousand troops over the river to cut the road to Yiling. You will ambush in the Hulu Valley. Cao Cao, not daring to go to South Yiling, will go to North Yiling. Tomorrow, after the rain, he will halt to refresh his troops. As soon as the smoke is seen to rise from their cooking fires, you will fire the hill side. You will not capture Cao Cao, but you will render excellent service."

25 七星壇諸... :
飛領計去了。又喚糜竺,糜芳,劉封三人,各駕船隻。遶江剿擒敗軍,奪取器械。三人領計去了。孔明起身,謂公子劉琦曰:「武昌一望之地,最為緊要。公子便請回。率領所部之兵,陳於岸口。操一敗必有逃來者,就而擒之,卻不可輕離城郭。」劉琦便辭玄德,孔明去了。孔明謂玄德曰:「主公可於樊口屯只,憑高而望,坐看今夜周郎成大功也。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
So Zhang Fei left. Next was called Mi Zhu, Mi Fang, and Liu Feng. They were to take command of three squadrons and go along the river to collect beaten soldiers and their weapons.
The three left. Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Qi, "The country around Wuchang is very important, and I wish you to take command of your own troops and station them at strategic points. Cao Cao, being defeated, will flee thither, and you will capture him. But you are not to leave the city without the best of reasons."
And Liu Qi took leave.
Then Zhuge Liang said to Liu Bei, "I wish you to remain quietly and calmly in Fankou, in a high tower, to watch Zhou Yu work out his great scheme this night."

26 七星壇諸... :
時雲長在側,孔明全然不睬。雲長忍耐不住,乃高聲曰:「關某自隨兄長征戰多年來,未嘗落後。今日逢大敵,軍師卻不委用,此是何意?」孔明笑曰:「雲長勿怪!某本欲煩足下把一個最緊要的隘口,怎奈有些遠礙處,不敢教去。」雲長曰:「有何違礙?願即見諭。」孔明曰:「昔日曹操待足下甚厚,足下當有以報之。今日操兵敗,必走華容道。若令足下去時,必然放他過去。因此不敢教去。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
All this time Guan Yu has been silently waiting his turn, but Zhuge Liang said no word to him.
When Guan Yu could bear this no longer, he cried, "Since I first followed my brother to battle many years ago, I have never been left behind. Now that great things are afoot, is there no work for me? What is meant by it?"
"You should not be surprised. I wanted you for service at a most important point, only that there was a something standing in the way that prevented me from sending you," said Zhuge Liang.
"What could stand in the way? I wish you would tell me."
"You see Cao Cao was once very kind to you, and you cannot help feeling grateful. Now when his soldiers have been beaten, he will have to flee along the Huarong Road. If I sent you to guard it, you would have to let him pass. So I will not send you."

27 七星壇諸... :
雲長曰:「軍師好多心!當日曹操果是重待某,某已斬顏良,誅文醜,解白馬之圍,報過他了。今日撞見,豈肯輕放!」孔明曰:「倘若放了時,卻如何?」雲長曰:「願依軍法。」孔明曰:「如此,立下軍令狀。」雲長便與了軍令狀。雲長曰:「若曹操不從那條路上來,如何?」孔明曰:「我亦與你軍今狀。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
"You are most considerate, Instructor. But though it is true that he treated me well, yet I slew two of his most redoubtable opponents, Yan Liang and Wen Chou, by way of repayment, beside raising a siege. If I happened upon him on this occasion, I should hardly let him go."
"But what if you did?"
"You could deal with me by military rules."
"Then put that in writing."
So Guan Yu wrote a formal undertaking and gave the document to Zhuge Liang.
"What happens if Cao Cao does not pass that way?" said Guan Yu.
"I will give you a written engagement that he will pass."

28 七星壇諸... :
雲長大喜,孔明曰:「雲長可於華容小路高山之處,堆積柴草,放起一把火煙,引曹操來。」雲長曰:「曹操望見煙,知有埋伏,如何肯來?」孔明笑曰:「豈不聞兵法虛虛實實之論?操雖能用兵,只此可以瞞過他也。他見煙起,將謂虛張聲勢,必然投這條路來。將軍休得容情。」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Then Zhuge Liang continued, "On the hills by the Huarong Valley, you are to raise a heap of wood and grass to make a great column of smoke and mislead Cao Cao into coming."
"If Cao Cao sees a smoke, he will suspect an ambush and will not come," said Guan Yu.
"You are very simple," said Zhuge Liang. "Do you not know more of war's ruses than that? Cao Cao is an able leader, but you can deceive him this time. When he sees the smoke, he will take it as a subterfuge and risk going that way. But do not let your kindness of heart rule your conduct."

29 七星壇諸... :
雲長領了將令,引關平,周倉並五百校刀手,投華容道埋伏去了。玄德曰:「吾弟義氣深重,若曹操果然投華容道去時,只恐端的放了。」孔明曰:「亮夜觀乾象,操賊未合身亡。留這人情,,教雲長做了,亦是美事。」玄德曰:「先生神算,世所罕及!」孔明遂與玄德往樊口看周瑜用兵,留孫乾,簡雍守城。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Thus was his duty assigned Guan Yu, and he left, taking his adopted son Guan Ping, his general Zhou Cang, and five hundred swordsmen.
Said Liu Bei, "His sense of rectitude is very profound. I fear if Cao Cao should come that way, my brother will let him pass."
"I have consulted the stars lately, and the rebel Cao Cao is not fated to come to his end yet. I have purposely designed this manifestation of kindly feeling for Guan Yu to accomplish and so act handsomely."
"Indeed there are few such far-seeing humans as you are," said Liu Bei.
The two then went to Fankou whence they might watch Zhou Yu's evolutions. Sun Qian and Jian Yong were left on guard of Xiakou.

30 七星壇諸... :
卻說曹操在大寨中,與眾將商議,只等黃蓋消息。當日東南風起甚緊,程昱入告曹操曰:「今日東南風起,宜預隄防。」操笑曰:「冬至一陽生,來復之時,安得無東南風?何足為怪?」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Cao Cao was in his great camp in conference with his advisers and awaiting the arrival of Huang Gai. The southeast wind was very strong that day, and Cheng Yu was insisting on the necessity for precaution.
But Cao Cao laughed, saying, "The Winter Solstice depends upon the sun and nothing else. There is sure to be a southeast wind at some one or other of its recurrences. I see nothing to wonder at."

31 七星壇諸... :
軍士忽報江東一隻小船來到,說有黃蓋密書,操急喚入,其人呈上書。書中訴說:「周瑜關防嚴緊,因此無計脫身。今有鄱陽湖新運到糧,周瑜差蓋巡哨,已有方便。好歹殺江東名將,獻首來降。只在今晚三更,船上插青龍牙旗者,即糧船也。」操大喜,遂與眾將來到水寨中大船上,觀望黃蓋船到。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Just then they announced the arrival of a small boat from the other shore with a letter from Huang Gai. The bearer of the letter was brought in and presented it. Cao Cao read it:
"Zhou Yu has kept such strict watch that there has been no chance of escape. But now some grain is coming down river, and I, Huang Gai, have been named as Escort Commander which will give me the opportunity I desire. I will slay one of the known generals and bring his head as an offering when I come. This evening at the third watch, if boats are seen with dragon toothed flags, they will be the grain boats."
This letter delighted Cao Cao who, with his officers, went to the naval camp and boarded a great ship to watch for the arrival of Huang Gai.

32 七星壇諸... :
且說江東,天色向晚,周瑜喚出蔡和,令軍士縛倒,和叫:「無罪!」瑜曰:「汝是何等人,敢來詐降!吾今缺少福物祭旗,願借你首級。和抵賴不過,大叫曰:「汝家闞澤,甘寧,亦曾與謀!」瑜曰:「此乃吾之所使也。」蔡和悔之無及。瑜令捉至江邊皂纛旗下,奠酒燒紙,一刀斬了蔡和,用血祭旗畢,便令開船。黃蓋在第三隻火船上,獨披掩心甲,手提利刃,旗上大書「先鋒黃蓋」。蓋乘一天順風,望赤壁進發。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
In the South Land, when evening fell, Zhou Yu sent for Cai He and bade the soldiers bind him.
The unhappy man protested, saying, "I have committed no crime!"
But Zhou Yu said, "What sort of a fellow are you, think you, to come and pretend to desert to my side? I need a small sacrifice for my flag, and your head will serve my purpose. So I am going to use it."
Cai He being at the end of his tether unable to deny the charge suddenly cried, "Two of your own side, Kan Ze and Gan Ning, are also in the plot!"
"Under my directions!" said Zhou Yu.
Cai He was exceedingly repentant and sad, but Zhou Yu bade them take Cai He to the river bank where the black standard had been set up and there, after the pouring of a libation and the burning of paper, Cai He was beheaded, his blood being a sacrifice to the flag.
This ceremony over, the ships started, and Huang Gai took his place on the third ship. He merely wore breast armor and carried a keen blade. On his flag were written four large characters Van Leader Huang Gai. With a fair wind his fleet sailed toward the Red Cliffs.

33 七星壇諸... :
是時東風大作,波浪洶湧。操在中軍遙望隔江,看看月上照耀江水,如萬道金蛇,翻波戲浪。操迎風大笑,自以為得志。忽一軍指說:「江南隱隱一簇帆幔,使風而來。」操憑高望之,報稱:「皆插青龍牙旗。內中有大旗,上書先鋒黃蓋名字。」操笑曰:「公覆來降,此天助我也!」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The wind was strong and the waves ran high. Cao Cao in the midst of the central squadron eagerly scanned the river which rolled down under the bright moon like a silver serpent writhing in innumerable folds. Letting the wind blow full in his face, Cao Cao laughed aloud for he was now to obtain his desire.
Then a soldier pointing to the river said, "The whole south is one mass of sails, and they are coming up on the wind."
Cao Cao went to a higher point and gazed at the sails intently, and his officers told him that the flags were black and dragon shaped, and indented, and among them there flew one very large banner on which was a name Huang Gai.
"That is my friend, the deserter!" said he joyfully. "Heaven is on my side today."

34 七星壇諸... :
來船漸近。程昱觀望良久,謂操曰:「來船必詐。且休教近寨。」操曰:「何以知之?」程昱曰:「糧在船中,船必穩重。今觀來船,輕而且浮;更兼今夜東南風甚緊;倘有詐謀,何以當之?」操省悟,便問:「誰去止之?」文聘曰:「某在水上頗熟,願請一往。」言畢,跳下小船,用手一指,十數隻巡船,隨文聘船出。聘立在船頭,大叫:「丞相鈞旨,南船且休近寨,就江心拋住。」眾軍齊喝:「快下了篷!」
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
As the ships drew closer, Cheng Yu said, "Those ships are treacherous. Do not let them approach the camp."
"How know you that?" asked Cao Cao.
And Cheng Yu replied, "If they were laden with grain, they would lie deep in the water. But these are light and float easily. The southeast wind is very strong, and if they intend treachery, how can we defend ourselves?"
Cao Cao began to understand. Then he asked who would go out to stop the approaching fleet, and Wen Ping volunteered, saying, "I am well used to the waters."
Thereupon Wen Ping sprang into a small light craft and sailed out, followed by ten cruisers which came at his signal.
Standing in the prow of his ship, Wen Ping called out to those advancing toward them, "You southern ships are not to approach! Such are the orders of the Prime Minister. Stop there in mid stream!"
The soldiers all yelled to them to lower their sails.

35 七星壇諸... :
言未絕,弓弦響處,文聘被箭射中左臂,倒在船中。船上大亂,各自奔回。南船距操寨止隔二里水面。黃蓋用刀一招,前船一齊發火。火趁風威,風助火勢,船如箭發,煙燄障天。二十隻火船,撞入水寨。曹寨中船隻一時盡著;又被鐵環銷住,無處逃避。隔江砲響,四下火船齊到,但見三江面上,火逐風飛,一派通紅,漫天徹地。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
The shout had not died away when a bowstring twanged, and Wen Ping rolled down into the ship with an arrow in the left arm. Confusion reigned on his ship, and all the others hurried back to their camp.
When the ships were about a mile of distant, Huang Gai waved his sword and the leading ships broke forth into fire, which, under the force of the strong wind, soon gained strength and the ships became as fiery arrows. Soon the whole twenty dashed into the naval camp.
All Cao Cao's ships were gathered there, and as they were firmly chained together not one could escape from the others and flee. There was a roar of bombs and fireships came on from all sides at once. The face of the three rivers was speedily covered with fire which flew before the wind from one ship to another. It seemed as if the universe was filled with flame.

36 七星壇諸... :
曹操回觀岸上營寨,幾處煙火。黃蓋跳在小船上,背後數人駕舟,冒煙突火,來尋曹操,操見勢急,方欲跳上岸,忽張遼駕一小腳船,扶操下得船時,那隻大船,已自著了。張遼與十數人保護曹操,飛奔岸口。黃蓋望見穿絳紅袍者下船,料是曹操,乃催船速進,手提利刃,高聲大叫:「曹賊休走!黃蓋在此!」操叫苦連聲。張遼拈弓搭箭,覷著黃蓋較近,一箭射去。此時風聲正大,黃蓋在火光中,那裏聽得弓弦響?正中肩窩,翻身落水。正是:火厄盛遭水厄,棒瘡愈後患金瘡。未知黃蓋性命如何,且看下文分解。
On Seven-Star Altar, Zhuge...:
Cao Cao hastened toward the shore. Huang Gai, with a few troops at his back, leaped into a small boat, dashed through the fire, and sought Cao Cao. Cao Cao, seeing the imminence of the danger, was making for the land. Zhang Liao got hold of a small boat into which he helped his master; none too soon, for the ship was burning. They got Cao Cao out of the thick of the fire and dashed for the bank.
Huang Gai, seeing a handsomely robed person get into a small boat, guessed it must be Cao Cao and pursued.
He drew very near and he held his keen blade ready to strike, crying out, "You rebel! Do not flee. I am Huang Gai."
Cao Cao howled in the bitterness of his distress. Zhang Liao fitted an arrow to his bow and aimed at the pursuer, shooting at short range. The roaring of the gale and the flames kept Huang Gai from hearing the twang of the string, and he was wounded in the shoulder. He fell and rolled over into the water.
He fell in peril of water
When flames were high;
Ere cudgel bruises had faded,
An arrow struck.
Huang Gai's fate will be told in the next chapter.

URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch49