| Chinese Text Project | |
| Simplified Chinese version |
《勤王室马腾举义，报父雠曹操兴师 - Gathering Arms, Ma Teng Moves To Rescue The Emperor; Commanding A Force, Cao Cao Marches To Avenge His Father》 |
| 1 | 勤王室马... : | 却说李、郭二贼欲弑献帝。张济、樊稠谏曰：“不可。今日若便杀之，恐众人不服；不如仍旧奉之为主，赚诸侯入关，先去其羽翼，然后杀之，天下可图也。”李、郭二人从其言，按住兵器。帝在楼上宣谕曰：“王允既诛，军马何故不退？”李傕、郭汜曰：“臣等有功王室，未蒙赐爵，故不敢退军。”帝曰：“卿欲封何爵？” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
In the last chapter the two arch rebels, Li Jue and Guo Si, proposed to murder Emperor Xian, but their followers Zhang Ji and Fan Chou opposed this. "No. The people will not approve of his death now. Restore him to power, and get the leaguers inside Changan's control. Remove his supporters, and then we can compass his death. And the empire shall be in our hands." So they ceased the attack. The Emperor again spoke from the tower, saying, "Why do you still remain? You have slain Wang Yun: Now withdraw these soldiers." Then Li Jue and Guo Si replied, "Your servants desire rank rewards for their good service to the dynasty." "And what ranks, Sirs?" | |
| 2 | 勤王室马... : | 李、郭、张、樊、四人各自写职衔献上，勒要如此官品。帝只得从之，封李傕为车骑将军池阳侯，领司隶校尉，假节钺；郭汜为后将军，假节钺：同秉朝政；樊稠为右将军万年侯；张济为骠骑将军平阳侯，领兵屯弘农。其馀李蒙、王方等，各为校尉。然后谢恩，领兵出城。又下令追寻董卓尸首，获得些零碎皮骨，以香木雕成形体，安凑停当，大设祭祀，用王者衣冠棺椁，选择吉日，迁葬郿坞。临葬之期，天降大雷雨，平地水深数尺，霹雳震开其棺，尸首提出棺外。李傕候晴再葬，是夜又复如是。三次改葬，皆不能葬。零皮碎骨，悉为雷火消灭。天之怒卓，可谓甚矣！ |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
All four - Li, Guo, Zhang, and Fan - wrote their wishes and handed them up to the Emperor who had no choice but to accede to the request, and they were created: Li Jue was appointed General of the Flying Chariots, Lord of Chiyang, Commander of Capital District, Court Administrator, and granted Military Insignia. Guo Si was appointed General of the Rear Army, Lord of Meiyang, Court Administrator, and granted Military Insignia. Fan Chou was appointed General of the Right Army and Lord of Wanian. Zhang Ji was appointed General of the Flying Cavalry and Lord of Pingyan. Li Meng and Wang Fang, for opening the city gates, were appointed Imperial Commanders. After receiving ranks of nobility, Li Jue and Guo Si thanked the Emperor, and went away to camp at Xunung, the suburb of Changan. Other rebel leaders also were gratified with ranks. And once more the capital was free of troops. Dong Zhuo's followers, having so far succeeded, did not forget their late leader. They sought his corpse for burial, but only a few fragments were discoverable. Then they had sculptors engrave a statue of fragrant wood in his likeness, laid that out in proper form, and instituted a noble's sacrifices and prayers. The remains were dressed in the robes of a prince, laid in a princely coffin for burial. They selected Meiwo for his tomb and having found an auspicious day conveyed the coffin thither. But a terrific thunder storm came on at the time of inhumation, and the ground was flooded. The coffin was rived asunder, and the poor remains knocked out by thunders. A second time they buried the coffin, but a similar thing happened in the night. And yet a third time in another place but the earth rejected the remains. Meanwhile the thunder-fire had entirely consumed them. So it may be said justly that Heaven was exceedingly angry with Dong Zhuo. | |
| 3 | 勤王室马... : | 且说李傕、郭汜既掌大权，残虐百姓，密遣心腹待帝左右，观其动静。献帝此时举动荆棘。朝廷官员，并由二贼升降。因采人望，特宣朱隽入朝，封为太仆，同领朝政。一日，人报西凉太守马腾、并州刺史韩遂二将引军十馀万，杀奔长安来，声言讨贼。原来二将先曾使人入长安，结连侍中马宇、谏议大夫种邵、左中郎将刘范三人为内应，共谋贼党。三人密奏献帝，封马腾为征西将军、韩遂为镇西将军，各受密诏，并力讨贼。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
So now Li Jue and Guo Si wielded the real power of the scepter, and they were hard upon the people. They also removed the attendants from the Palace and replaced them by their own creatures, who maintained a most perfect watch over every movement of the Emperor so that he was greatly hampered and embarrassed. All appointments and demotions were made by the two rebels. For the sake of popularity they especially summoned the veteran general Zhu Jun to court, made him Court Administrator and associated him with the government. One day came a report that the Governor of Xiliang, Ma Teng, and the Imperial Protector of Bingzhou, Han Sui, with one hundred thousand troops, were rapidly approaching the capital with the intention of attacking the rebels in the name of the Emperor. Now these leaders from the west had laid careful plans. Ma Teng and Han Sui had sent trusty friends to the capital to find out who would support them. They had conspired with three officials —-Court Counselors Ma Yu and Chong Shao, and Imperial Commander Liu Fan —-to be their inside allies and plot against the rebels. These three obtained from the Throne two secret edicts conferring the ranks of Commander Who Conquers the West on Ma Teng and Commander Who Guards the West on Han Sui. With these powers the two commanders joined forces and began their march. | |
| 4 | 勤王室马... : | 当下李傕，郭汜，张济，樊稠闻二军将至，一同商议御敌之策。谋士贾诩曰：“二军远来，只宜深沟高垒，坚守以拒之。不过百日，彼兵粮尽，必将自退，然后引兵追之，二将可擒矣。”李蒙、王方出曰：“此非好计。愿借精兵万人，立斩马腾、韩遂之头，献于麾下。”贾诩曰：“今若即战，必当败绩。”李蒙、王方齐声曰：“若吾二人败，情愿斩首；吾若战胜，公亦当输首级与我。”诩谓李傕、郭汜曰：“长安西二百里盩厔山，其路险崚，可使张、樊两将军屯兵于此，坚壁守之；待李蒙、王方自引兵迎敌，可也。”李傕、郭汜从其言，点一万五千人马与李蒙、王方。二人忻喜而去，离长安二百八十里下寨。西凉兵到，两个引军迎去。西凉军马拦路摆开阵势。马腾、韩遂联辔而出，指李蒙、王方骂曰：“反国之贼！谁去擒之？” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
The four leaders of the party in power —-Li Jue, Guo Si, Fan Chou, and Zhang Ji —-held a consultation with their generals as to how to meet the attack. Adviser Jia Xu said, "Since the attackers are coming from a distance, our plan is to fortify and wait till shortage of food shall work for us. In a hundred days their supplies will be consumed, and they must retire. We can pursue, and we shall capture them." Li Meng and Wang Fang rose and said, "This plan is bad. Give us ten thousand troops, and we will put an end to both of them and offer their heads before your ensign!" "To fight forthwith means defeat," said Jia Xu. Li Meng and Wang Fang cried with one voice, "If we fail, we are willing to lose our heads! But if we win, then your head is forfeit." Jia Xu then suggested to Li Jue and Guo Si, saying, "Seventy miles west of the capital stand the Zhouzhi Hills. The passes are narrow and difficult. Send Generals Zhang Ji and Fan Chou to occupy this point of vantage and fortify themselves so that they may support Li Meng and Wang Fang." Li Jue and Guo Si accepted this advice. They told off fifteen thousand horse and foot, and Li Meng and Wang Fang left in high spirit. They made a camp ninety miles from Changan. The force from the west arrived. Ma Teng and Han Sui led out their troops to the attack. They found their opponents Li Meng and Wang Fang in battle array. Ma Teng and Han Sui rode to the front side by side. Pointing to the rebel leaders, the commanders abused them, crying, "Those are traitors! Who will capture them?" | |
| 5 | 勤王室马... : | 言未绝，只见一位少年将军，面如冠玉，眼若流星；虎体猿臂；彪腹狼腰；手执长枪，坐骑骏马，从阵中飞出。原来那将即马腾之子马超，字孟起，年方十七岁，英勇无敌。王方欺他年幼，跃马迎战。战不到数合，早被马超一枪刺于马下。马超勒马便回。李蒙见王方刺死，一骑马从马超背后赶来。超只做不知。马腾在阵门下大叫：“背后有人追赶！” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Hardly were the words spoken when there came out a youth general with a clear, white complexion as jade, eyes like shooting stars, lithe of body and strong of limb. He was armed with a long spear and bestrode an excellent steed. This young leader was Ma Chao, son of Ma Teng, then seventeen years of age. Though young he was a supreme valiance. Wang Fang, despising him on account of his youth, galloped forth to fight him. Before they had exchanged many passes Wang Fang was disabled and fell to a thrust of Ma Chao's spear. The victor turned to retire into the formation, but Li Meng rode after Ma Chao to avenge his fallen colleague. Ma Chao did not see Li Meng, but his father called out: "You are followed!" | |
| 6 | 勤王室马... : | 声犹未绝，只见马超已将李蒙擒在马上。原来马超明知李蒙追赶，却故意俄延；等他马近，举枪刺来，超将身一闪，李蒙搠个空，两马相并，被马超轻舒猿臂，生擒过去。军士无主，望风奔逃。马腾、韩遂乘势追杀，大获胜捷，直逼隘口下寨，把李蒙斩首号令。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: | Hardly had Ma Teng spoken when he saw that the pursuer was a prisoner seated on his son's steed. Now Ma Chao had known he was followed, but pretended not to see, waiting till his enemy should have come close and lifted his spear to strike. Then Ma Chao suddenly wheeled about. The spear thrust met only empty air; and as the horses passed, Ma Chao's powerful arm shot out and pulled Li Meng from the saddle. Thus Li Meng and Wang Fang's soldiers were left leaderless and fled in all directions. The army of Ma Teng and Han Sui dashed in pursuit, and a complete victory was scored. They pressed into one of the passes and made a camp. Then they decapitated Li Meng and exposed his head. | |
| 7 | 勤王室马... : | 李傕、郭汜听知李蒙、王方皆被马超杀了，方信贾诩有先见之明，重用其计，只理会紧守关防，由他搦战，并不出迎。果然西凉军未及两月，粮草俱乏，商议回军。恰好长安城中马宇家僮出首家主与刘范、种邵，外连马腾、韩遂，欲为内应等情。李傕、郭汜大怒，尽收三家少良贱斩于市，把三颗首级，直来门前号令。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
When Li Jue and Guo Si heard that both the boastful generals had fallen under the hand of one young leader, they knew that Jia Xu had given good advice and was gifted with clear prescience. So they valued his plans the more highly and decided to act on the defensive. They refused all challenges to combat. Surely enough after a couple of months the supplies of the Xiliang force were all exhausted and the leaders began to consider retreat. Just at this juncture a household servant of Ma Yu's family betrayed his master and told of the conspiracy of the three court officials to assist the attackers. The two chiefs Li Jue and Guo Si in revenge seized the three conspirators —-Ma Yu, Chong Shao, and Liu Fan —-, with every member of their households, and beheaded them in the market place. The heads of the three were exposed at the front gate of the capital. | |
| 8 | 勤王室马... : | 马腾、韩遂见军粮已尽，内应又泄，只得拔寨退军。李傕、郭汜令张济引军赶马腾，樊稠引军赶韩遂，西凉军大败。马超在后死战，杀退张济。樊稠去赶韩遂，看看赶上，相近陈仓，韩遂勒马向樊稠曰：“吾与公乃同乡之人，今日何太无情？”樊稠也勒住马答道：“上命不可违！”韩遂曰：“吾此来亦为国家耳，公何相逼之甚也？”樊稠听罢，拨转马头，收兵回寨，让韩遂去了。不堤防李傕之侄李别，见樊稠放走韩遂，回报其叔。李傕大怒，便欲兴兵讨樊稠。贾诩曰：“目今人心未宁，频动干戈，深为不便；不若设一宴，请张济、樊稠庆功，就席间擒稠斩之，毫不费力。” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Being short of food and hearing of the destruction of their three adherents in the city, the only course for Ma Teng and Han Sui was to retreat. At once Zhang Ji went in pursuit of Ma Teng, and Fan Chou followed Han Sui. The retreating army under Ma Teng was beaten, and only by Ma Chao's desperate efforts were the pursuers driven off. Fan Chou pursued the other army. When he had come close, Han Sui rode boldly up and addressed him, saying, "You and I, Sir, are fellow villagers. Why then behave so unfriendly?" Fan Chou replied, "I must obey the commands of my chief." "I am here for the service of the state. Why do you press me so hard?" said Han Sui. At this Fan Chou turned his horse, called in his troops, and left Han Sui in peace. Unwittingly a nephew of Li Jue had been a witness of this scene; and when he saw the enemy allowed to go free, he returned and told his uncle. Angry that his enemy had escaped, Li Jue would have sent an army to wreak vengeance on his general. But his adviser Jia Xu again came in, saying, "The people are yet unsettled: It is dangerous to provoke another war. Instead, invite Fan Chou to a banquet and, while the feast was in progress, execute him for dereliction of duty." | |
| 9 | 勤王室马... : | 李傕大喜，便设宴请张济、樊稠。二将忻然赴宴。酒半阑，李傕忽然变色曰：“樊稠何故交通韩遂，欲谋造反？”稠大惊；未及回言，只见刀斧手拥出，早把樊稠斩首于案下。吓得张济俯伏于地。李傕扶起曰：“樊稠谋反，故而诛之；公乃吾之心腹，何须惊惧？”将樊稠军拨与张济管领。张济自回弘农去了。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
This seemed good to Li Jue, so the banquet was prepared. Zhang Ji and Fan Chou accepted their invitations and went cheerfully. Toward the latter part of the entertainment a sudden change came over their host Li Jue, and he suddenly asked Fan Chou, "Why have you been intriguing with Han Sui? You are turning traitor, eh?" The unhappy guest was taken aback. Before he could frame his words to reply, he saw the assassins rush out with swords and axes. In a moment all was over, and Fan Chou's head lay beneath the table. Scared beyond measure, his fellow-guest Zhang Ji groveled on the floor. "Fan Chou was a traitor," said the host, raising Zhang Ji by the arm, "and he has his deserts. You are my friend and need not fear." Li Jue gave Zhang Ji command of Fan Chou's army with which Zhang Ji returned to his headquarters garrison in Hongnong. | |
| 10 | 勤王室马... : | 李傕、郭汜自战败西凉兵，诸侯莫敢谁何。贾诩屡劝抚安百姓，结纳贤豪。自是朝廷微有生意。不想青州黄巾又起，聚众数十万，头目不等，劫掠良民。太仆朱隽，保举一人，可破群贼。李傕、郭汜问是何人。朱隽曰：“要破山东群贼，非曹孟德不可。”李傕曰：“孟德今在何处？”隽曰：“见为东郡太守，广有军兵。若命此人讨贼，贼可克日而破也。”李傕大喜，星夜草诏，差人赍往东郡，命曹操与济北相鲍信一同破贼。操领了圣旨，会合鲍信，一同兴兵，击贼于寿阳。鲍信杀入重地，为贼所害。操追赶贼兵，直到济北，降者数万。操即用贼为前驱，兵马到处，无不降须。不过百馀日，招安到降兵三十馀万、男女百馀万口。操择精锐者，号为“青州兵”，其馀尽令归农。操自此威名日重。捷书报到长安，朝廷加曹操为镇东将军。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
No one of the leaders among the leaguers dared attempt an attack on the party newly risen from Dong Zhuo's disaffection, while on the other hand Jia Xu never ceased to urge his masters to exert themselves for the welfare of the people and thus to tempt wise people to join them. And by these means the government began to prosper, and the court to reassert its authority. However, a new trouble arose in the shape of a resurgence of Yellow Scarves in Qingzhou. They came, under numerous chieftains, in the number of hundreds of thousand and plundered any place they reached. Court Administrator Zhu Jun said he knew of one who could destroy this sedition, and when asked who was the man he proposed, Zhu Jun said, "You want to destroy this horde of rebels: You will fail unless you get the service of Cao Cao." "And where is he?" asked Li Jue. "He is Governor of Dongjun. He has a large army, and you have only to order him to act. The rising will be broken." A messenger went post haste with a command for Cao Cao and Bao Xin, Lord of Jibei, to act together in quelling the rebellion. As soon as Cao Cao received the court command, he arranged with his colleagues first to attack the rebels at Shouyang. Bao Xin made a dash right into their midst and inflicting damage wherever he could, but he was killed in battlefield. Cao Cao pursued the rebels as they fled to Jibei. Ten thousand surrendered. Then Cao Cao put his former enemies in the van. When his army reached any place, many more surrendered and joined him. After one hundred days, he had won over three hundred thousand troops and more than one million ordinary folks. Of these new adherents the strongest and boldest were made the Qingzhou Army, and the others were sent home to their fields. In consequence of these successes Cao Cao's prestige and fame became very great and increased daily. He reported his success to Capital Changan and was rewarded with the title of General Who Guards the East. Liu Dai then submitted; he and his officials sent to Dongjun and invited Cao Cao to take over Yanzhou. | |
| 11 | 勤王室马... : | 操在兖州，招贤纳士。有叔侄二人来投曹操：乃颖川颖阴人：姓荀，名彧，字文若，荀昆之子也；旧事袁绍，今弃绍投操；操与语大悦，曰：“此吾之子房也！”遂以为行军司马。其侄荀攸，字公达，海内名士，曾拜黄门侍郎，后弃官归乡，今与其叔同投曹操，操以为行军教授。荀彧曰：“某闻兖州有一贤士，今此人知何在。”操问是谁，彧曰：“乃东郡东阿人：姓程，名昱，字仲德。”操曰：“吾亦闻名久矣。”遂遣人于乡中寻问。访得他在山中读书，操拜请之。程昱来见，曹操大喜。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
At his new headquarters, Cao Cao welcomed wise counselors and bold warriors, and many gathered around him. Two clever persons, uncle and nephew, came at the same time, both from Yingchuan, named Xun Yu and Xun You. The uncle had once been in the service of Yuan Shao. Cao Cao rejoiced when he had won the elder Xun to his side, saying, "Xun Yu is my Zhang Liang!" He made Xun Yu a Field Commander. The nephew Xun You was famed for his ability and had been in the court service when it was in Luoyang, but he had abandoned that career in the Inner Bureau and retired to his village. Cao Cao made him a Military Instructor. Xun Yu said to Cao Cao, "There is a certain wise person of Yanzhou somewhere, but I do not know in whose service he is." "Who is he?" "Cheng Yu. He belongs to the eastern part of Yanzhou." "Yes, I have heard of him," said Cao Cao. So a messenger was sent to his native place to inquire. Cheng Yu was away in the hills engaged in study. Cao Cao sent the messenger to the hills, and Cheng Yu came at the invitation. | |
| 12 | 勤王室马... : | 昱谓荀彧曰：“某孤陋寡闻，不足当公之荐。公之乡人姓郭，名嘉，字奉孝，乃当今贤士，何不罗而致之？”彧猛省曰：“吾几忘却！”遂启操徵聘郭嘉到兖州，共论天下之事。郭嘉荐光武嫡派子孙，淮南成德人：姓刘，名晔，字子阳。操即聘晔至。晔又荐二人：一个是山阳昌邑人：姓满，名宠，字伯宁；一个是武城人：姓吕，名虔，字子恪。曹操亦素知这两个名誉，就聘为军中从事。满宠、吕虔共荐一人：乃陈留平邱人：姓毛，名玠，字孝先。曹操亦聘为从事。又有一将引军数百人，来投曹操：乃泰山钜平人：姓于，名禁，字文则。操见其人弓马熟娴，武艺出众，命为典军司马。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
"I shall prove unworthy of your recommendation," said Cheng Yu to his friend Xun Yu, "for I am rough and ignorant. But have you forgotten a fellow villager of yours, Guo Jia? He is really able. Why not spread the net to catch him?" "I had nearly forgotten!" said Xun Yu suddenly. So he told Cao Cao of this man, who was at once invited. Guo Jia, discussing the world at large with Cao Cao, recommended Liu Ye from Henan, who was a descendant of Liu Xiu the Founder of Latter Han. When Liu Ye had arrived, he was the means of inviting two more: Man Chong from Shanyang and Lu Qian from Wucheng, who were already known to Cao Cao by reputation. These two brought to their new master's notice the name of Mao Jie from Chenliu, who also came and was given office. Then a famous leader, with his troop of some hundreds, arrived to offer service. This was Yu Jin of Taishan, an expert horseman and archer, and skilled beyond his fellows in every form of military exercise. He was made an Army Inspector. | |
| 13 | 勤王室马... : | 一日，夏侯敦引一大汉来见，操问何人，敦曰：“此乃陈留人：姓典，名韦，勇力过人。旧跟张邈，与帐下人不和，手杀数十人，逃窜山中。敦出射猎，见韦逐鹿过涧，因收于军中。今特荐之于公。”操曰：“吾观此人容貌魁梧，必有勇力。”敦曰：“他曾为友报雠杀人，提头直出闹市，数百人不敢近。只今所使两枝铁戟，重八十斤，挟之上马，运使如飞。”操即令韦试之。韦挟戟骤马，往来驰骋。忽见帐下大旗为风所吹，岌岌欲倒，众军士挟持不定；韦下马喝退众军，一手执定旗杆，立于风中，巍然不动。操曰：“此古之恶来也！”遂命为帐前都尉，解身上锦袄，及骏马雕鞍赐之。自是曹操部下文有谋臣，武有猛将，威镇山东。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Then another day Xiahou Dun brought a fellow to present to Cao Cao. "Who is he?" asked Cao Cao. "He is from Chenliu and is named Dian Wei. He is the boldest of the bold, the strongest of the strong. He was one of Zhang Miao's people, but quarreled with his tent companions and killed some dozens of them with his fists. Then he fled to the mountains where I found him. I was out shooting and saw him follow a tiger across a stream. I persuaded him to join my troop, and I recommend him." "I see he is no ordinary man," said Cao Cao. "He is fine and straight and looks very powerful and bold." "He is! He killed a man once to avenge a friend and carried his head through the whole market place. Hundreds saw him, but dared not come near. The weapon he uses now is a couple of spears, each weighs a hundred and twenty pounds, and he vaults into the saddle with these under his arm." Cao Cao bade the man give proof of his skill. So Dian Wei galloped to and fro carrying the spears. Then he saw away among the tents a huge banner swaying dangerously with the force of the wind and on the point of falling. A crowd of soldiers were vainly struggling to keep it steady. Down he leaped, shouted to the men to clear out and held the staff quite steady with one hand, keeping it perfectly upright in spite of the strong wind. "This is old E Lai again!" said Cao Cao. He gave Dian Wei a post of Commander of the Headquarters Guards and besides made Dian Wei presents of an embroidered robe he was wearing and a swift steed with a handsome saddle. Cao Cao encouraged able people to assist him, and he had advisers on the civil side and valiant generals in the army. He became famous throughout the East of the Passes. | |
| 14 | 勤王室马... : | 乃遣泰山太守应劭，往琅琊郡迎父曹嵩。嵩自陈留避难，隐居琅琊；当日接了书信，便与弟曹德及一家老小四十馀人，带从者百馀人，车百馀辆，迳望兖州而来。道经徐州，太守陶谦，字恭祖，为人温厚纯笃，向欲结纳曹操，正无其由；知操父经过，遂出境迎接，再拜致敬，大设筵宴，款待两日。曹嵩要行，陶谦亲送出郭，特差都尉张闓，将部兵五百护送。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Now Cao Cao's father, Cao Song, was living at Langye, whither he had gone as a hidden place free from the turmoil of the partisan struggles. Cao Cao wished to be united with him. As a dutiful son, Cao Cao sent the Governor of Taishan, Ying Shao, to escort his father to Yanzhou. Old Cao Song read the letter with joy, and the family prepared to move. They were some forty in all, with a train of a hundred servants and many carts. Their road led through Xuzhou Region where the Imperial Protector, Tao Qian, was a sincere and upright man who had long wished to get on good terms with Cao Cao but, hitherto, had found no means of effecting a bond of union. Hearing that Cao Cao's family was passing through his region, Tao Qian went to welcome them, treated them with great cordiality, feasting and entertaining them for two days; and when they left, he escorted them to his boundary. Further he sent with them General Zhang Kai with a special escort of five hundred. | |
| 15 | 勤王室马... : | 曹嵩率家小行到华、费间，时夏末秋初，大雨骤至，只得投一古寺歇宿。寺僧接入，嵩安顿家小，命张闓将军马屯于两廊。众军衣装，都被雨打湿，同声嗟怨。张闓唤手下头目于静处商议曰：“我们本是黄巾馀党，勉强降顺陶谦，未有好处；如今曹嵩辎重车辆无数，你们欲得富贵不难，只就今夜三更，大家砍将入去，把曹嵩一家杀了，取了财物，同往山中落草。此计何如？” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
The whole party reached the county of Huafei. It was the end of summer, just turning into autumn, and at this place they were stopped by a tremendous storm of rain. The only shelter was an old temple and thither they went. The family occupied the main rooms and the escort the two side wings. The men of the escort were drenched, angry, and discontented. Then Zhang Kai called some of his petty officers to a secret spot and said, "We are old Yellow Scarves and only submitted to Tao Qian because there was no other choice. We have never got much out of it. Now here is the Cao family with no end of gear, and we can be rich very easily. We will make a sudden onslaught tonight at the third watch and slay the whole lot. Then we shall have plenty of treasure, and we will get away to the mountains." | |
| 16 | 勤王室马... : | 众皆应允。是夜风雨未息，曹嵩正坐，忽闻四壁喊声大举。曹德提剑出看，就被搠死。曹嵩忙引一妾奔入方丈后，欲越墙而走；妾肥胖不能出，嵩慌急，与妾躲于厕中，被乱军所杀。应邵死命逃脱，投袁绍去了。张闓杀尽曹嵩全家，取了财物，放火烧寺，与五百人逃奔淮南去了。后人有诗曰： |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
They all agreed. The storm continued into the night; and as Cao Song sat waiting anxiously for signs of clearing, he suddenly heard a hubbub at the west end of the temple. His brother, Cao De, drawing his sword, went out to see what it was about, and Cao De was at once cut down. Cao Song seized one of the concubines by the hand, rushed with her through the passage toward the back of the temple so that they might escape. But the lady was stout and could not get through the narrow doors, so the two hid in one of the small outhouses at the side. However, they were seen and slain. The unhappy Governor Ying Shao fled for his life to Yuan Shao. The murderers fled into the South of River Huai with their plunder after having set fire to the old temple. | |
| 曹操奸雄世所夸，曾将吕氏杀全家。如今阖户逢人杀，天理循环报不差。 | ||
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Cao Cao, whom the ages praise, Slew his hosts on his former flight; Nemesis never turns aside, Murdered too his family died. | ||
| 17 | 勤王室马... : | 当下应劭部下有逃命的军士，报与曹操。操闻之，哭倒于地。众人救起。操切齿曰：“陶谦纵兵杀吾父，此雠不共戴天！吾今悉起大军，洗荡徐州，方雪吾恨！”遂留荀彧、程昱领军三万守鄄城，范县，东阿三县，其馀尽杀奔徐州来。夏侯敦，于禁，典韦为先锋。操令但得城池，将城中百姓，尽行屠戮，以雪父雠。当有九江太守边让，与陶谦交厚，闻知徐州有难，自引兵五千来救。操闻之大怒，使夏侯敦于路截杀之。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Some of the escort escaped and took the evil tidings to Cao Cao. When he heard it he fell to the earth with a great cry. They raised him. With set teeth he muttered, "Tao Qian's people have slain my father: No longer can the same sky cover us! I will sweep Xuzhou off the face of the earth. Only thus can I satisfy my vengeance." Cao Cao left one small army of thirty thousand under Xun Yu and Cheng Yu to guard the east headquarters and the three counties of Juancheng, Fanxia, and Dongjun. Then he set forth with all the remainder to destroy Xuzhou and avenge his father. Xiahou Dun, Yu Jin, and Dian Wei were Van Leaders with Cao Cao's orders to slaughter all the inhabitants of each captured city. Now the Governor of Jiujiang, Bian Rang, was a close friend of Tao Qian. Hearing Xuzhou was threatened, Bian Rang set out with five thousand troops to his friend's aid. Angered by this move, Cao Cao sent Xiahou Dun to stop and kill Bian Rang while still on the march. | |
| 18 | 勤王室马... : | 时陈宫为东郡从事，亦与陶谦交厚；闻曹操起兵报雠，欲尽杀百姓，星夜前来见操。操知是为陶谦作说客，欲待不见，又灭不过旧恩，只得请入帐中相见。宫曰：“今闻明公以大兵临徐州，报尊父之雠，所到欲尽杀百姓，某因此特来进言。陶谦乃仁人君子，非好利忘义之辈；尊父遇害，乃张闓之恶，非谦罪也。且州县之民，与明公何雠？杀之不祥。望三思而行。”操怒曰：“公昔弃我而去，今有何面目复来相见？陶谦杀吾一家，誓当摘胆剜心，以雪吾恨！公虽为陶谦游说，其如吾不听何？”陈宫辞出，叹曰：“吾亦无面目见陶谦也！”遂驰马投陈留太守张邈去了。 |
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At this time Chen Gong was in office in Dongjun, and he was also on friendly terms with Tao Qian. Hearing of Cao Cao's design to destroy the whole population, Chen Gong came in haste to see his former companion. Cao Cao, knowing Chen Gong's errand, put him off at first and would not see him. But then Cao Cao could not forget the kindness he had formerly received from Chen Gong, and presently the visitor was called to his tent. Chen Gong said, "They say you go to avenge your father's death on Xuzhou, to destroy its people. I have come to say a word. Imperial Protector Tao Qian is humane and a good man. He is not looking out for his own advantage, careless of the means and of others. Your worthy father met his unhappy death at the hands of Zhang Kai. Tao Qian is guiltless. Still more innocent are the people, and to slay them would be an evil. I pray you think over it." Cao Cao retorted angrily, "You once abandoned me, and now you have the impudence to come to see me! Tao Qian slew my whole family, and I will tear his heart out in revenge. I swear it! You may speak for your friend and say what you will. I shall be as if I heard not." Intercession had failed. Chen Gong sighed and took his leave. He said, "Alas! I cannot go to Tao Qian and look upon his face." So Chen Gong rode off to the county of Chenliu to give service to Governor Zhang Miao. | |
| 19 | 勤王室马... : | 且说操大军所到之处，杀戮人民，发掘坟墓。陶谦在徐州，闻曹操起军报雠，杀戮百姓，仰天恸哭曰：“我获罪于天，致使徐州之民，受此大难！”急聚众官商议。曹豹曰：“曹兵既至，岂可束手待死！某愿助使君破之。” |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Cao Cao's army of revenge laid waste whatever place it passed through, slaying the people and desecrating their cemeteries (AD 193). When Tao Qian heard the terrible tidings, he looked up to heaven, saying, "I must be guilty of some fault before Heaven to have brought this evil upon my people!" He called together his officials to consult. One of them, Cao Bao, said, "Now the enemy is upon us: We cannot sit and await death with folded hands. I for one will help you to make a fight." | |
| 20 | 勤王室马... : | 陶谦只得引兵出迎，远望操军如铺霜涌雪，中军竖起白旗二面，大书“报雠雪恨”四字。军马列成阵势。曹操纵马出阵，身穿缟素，扬鞭大骂。陶谦亦出马于门旗下，欠身施礼曰：“谦本欲结好明公，故托张闓护送。不想贼心不改，致有此事。实不干陶谦之故：望明公察之。”操大骂曰：“老匹夫！杀吾父，尚敢乱言！谁可生擒老贼？”夏侯敦应声而出。陶谦慌走入阵。夏侯敦赶来，曹豹挺枪跃马，前来迎敌。两马相交，忽然狂风大作，飞沙走石，两军皆乱，各自收兵。 |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Tao Qian reluctantly sent the army out. From a distance he saw Cao Cao's army spread abroad like frost and rushed far and wide like snow. In their midst was a large white flag and on both sides was written Vengeance. When he had ranged his troops, Cao Cao rode out dressed in mourning white and abused Tao Qian. But Tao Qian advanced, and from beneath his ensign he bowed low and said, "I wished to make friends with you, Illustrious Sir, and so I sent Zhang Kai to escort your family. I knew not that his rebel heart was still unchanged. The fault does not lie at my door as you must see." "You old wretch! You killed my father, and now you dare mumble this nonsense!" said Cao Cao. And he asked who would go out and seize Tao Qian. Xiahou Dun undertook this service and rode out. Tao Qian fled to the inner portion of his array; and as Xiahou Dun came on, Cao Bao went to meet him. But just as the two horses met, a hurricane burst over the spot, and the flying dust and pebbles threw both sides into the utmost confusion. Both drew off. | |
| 21 | 勤王室马... : | 陶谦入城，与众计议曰：“曹兵势大难敌，吾当自缚往操营，任其剖割，以救徐州百姓之命。”言未绝，一人进前言曰：“府君久镇徐州，人民感恩。今曹兵虽众，未能既破我城。府君与百姓坚守勿出；某虽不才，愿施小策，教曹操死无葬身之地！”众人大惊，便问计将安出。正是： |
| Gathering Arms, Ma Teng...: |
Tao Qian retired into the city and called his officers to council. "The force against us is too strong," said he. "I will give myself up as a prisoner and let him wreak his vengeance on me. I may save the people." But a voice was heard saying, "You have long ruled here, and the people love you. Strong as the enemy are, they are not necessarily able to break down our walls, especially when defended by you and your people. I have a scheme to suggest that I think will make Cao Cao die in a place where he will not find burial." These bold words startled the assembly, and they eagerly asked what the scheme was. | |
| 本为纳交反成怨，那知绝处又逢生？毕竟此人是谁，且听下文分解。 | ||
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Making overtures for friendship, Tao Qian encountered deadly hate. But, where danger seemed most threatening, he discovered safety's gate. The next chapter will disclose who the speaker was. |
URN: ctp:sanguo-yanyi/ch10